Solar power conversion kit for umbrella

ABSTRACT

A solar power conversion kit allows converting of a standard umbrella into a solar charging umbrella, which can then use solar power to charge electronic devices. The solar charging umbrella is self-sustained, capable of charging electronic devices in locations away from electrical outlets. The umbrella has a rechargeable battery that is recharged by sunlight. When charged, the umbrella&#39;s battery can charge devices when sunlight is not available. The umbrella supports simultaneous charging of higher power devices such as tablet computers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/077,849, filed Mar. 22, 2016, issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,781,985 on Oct. 10, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/843,900, filed Sep. 2, 2015, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/590,941, filed Jan. 6, 2015, issued as U.S. Pat.No. 9,289,039 on Mar. 22, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. patentapplications 61/924,186, filed Jan. 6, 2014, and 62/041,573, filed Aug.25, 2014, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 29/487,288, filed Apr. 7, 2014, Ser. No. 29/499,274, filed Aug. 13,2014, and Ser. No. 29/502,277, filed Sep. 12, 2014. These applicationsare incorporated by reference along with all other references cited inthis application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to furniture, and moreparticularly, to outdoor furniture having integrated solar panels,especially with ports for powering and charging portable electronicdevices.

Outdoor furniture is a type of furniture that is often used duringdaylight hours to provide comfortable outdoor seating, to shade usersfrom the sun, or both. Outdoor furniture is commonly set up, forexample, by swimming pools, on beaches, on patios, at picnic areas, atoutdoor dining areas, on the decks of boats and ships, and at otheroutdoor recreational areas. Outdoor furniture is often used a relativelylong distance away from electrical power sources. Since users oftenspend up to several hours using outdoor furniture while partaking inoutdoor activities, the portable electronic device (e.g., mobile phones,tablet computers, personal digital assistants, portable music players,or portable televisions) that users use outdoors may run out of powerand need to be charged.

As a result, users may have to use portable battery packs to rechargeportable electronic devices, or manually run electrical lines from amain power source out to areas where outdoor furniture is located.Battery packs are often not designed to charge larger devices, such astablet computers, and often are not capable of charging more than onedevice at a time. Furthermore, battery packs have a limited amount ofstored power. Once a battery pack discharges, no power remains forcharging portable electronic devices. Running a power line from a mainpower source to where users are at outdoors is often not possible whereno power supply exists or is not practical where no power supply isreasonably close.

Therefore, there is a need for a convenient charging device for outdooruse for charging portable electronic devices using solar power.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A solar charging umbrella uses solar power to charge electronic deviceswirelessly, such as by a wireless or inductive charging port. Theumbrella is self-sustained, capable of charging electronic devices inlocations away from electrical outlets. The umbrella has a rechargeablebattery that is recharged by sunlight. When charged, the umbrella'sbattery can charge devices when sunlight is not available. The umbrellasupports simultaneous charging of high power devices such as tabletcomputers.

In an implementation, an umbrella includes: a shaft; an umbrella shade,connected between a fastener and the shaft; and a frame. The umbrellahas an open position during which the umbrella shade is extended into aposition away from the shaft and a closed position during which theumbrella shade is folded into a position closer to the shaft.

The frame includes: A cap is connected between the fastener and theumbrella shade. The cap has a cap opening and at least a first hingeportion and a second hinge portion. The fastener connects to a bolt ofthe shaft that passes through the cap opening. A first strut has firstand second ends, a third hinge portion at the first end, and between thefirst and second ends is a first sleeve that holds a first solar panel.The third hinge portion is adapted to mate with the first hinge portionof the cap to form a first strut hinge. A second strut has third andfourth ends, a fourth hinge portion at third end, and between the thirdand fourth ends is a second sleeve that holds a second solar panel. Thefourth hinge portion is adapted to mate with the second hinge portion ofthe cap to form a second strut hinge.

When changing the umbrella from the closed to the open position, theumbrella shade pushes against a bottom of the struts while the umbrellashade is extended. This causes the struts to rotate via the first andsecond strut hinges in a first turn direction, so that an angle betweena top of the first strut and a top of the cap increases from a firstangle in the closed position to a second angle in the open position. Thesecond angle is greater than the first angle.

When changing the umbrella from the open to the closed position, thebottom of the struts rest against the umbrella shade while the umbrellais folded. This causes the struts to rotate via the first and secondstrut hinges in a second turn direction, so that the angle between thetop of the first strut and the top of the cap decreases from the secondangle to the first angle. The second turn direction is opposite of thefirst turn direction. When the umbrella is in the closed position, atleast a portion of weights the first and second struts are supported bythe cap.

In various implementations, each sleeve includes a transparent topsurface that allows solar radiation to pass through to the solar panelhoused by the sleeve. The umbrella includes: a rechargeable battery; abattery charging circuit, connected to the rechargeable battery; andelectrical wires, connecting the first and second solar panels inparallel to the electrical charger circuit. The battery charging circuitcan charge the rechargeable battery using solar power received from thefirst and second solar panels.

A voltage converter circuit is connected to the rechargeable battery. Afirst universal serial bus (USB) charging port is connected to thevoltage converter circuit. A second USB charging port is connected tothe voltage converter circuit. A third USB charging port is connected tothe voltage converter circuit. The first, second, and third USB chargingports are capable of supplying at least 10 watts of output power eachsimultaneously.

A first printed circuit board (PCB) includes a PCB hole through whichthe shaft of the umbrella passes through. The battery charging circuitand the voltage converter circuit are formed on the printed circuitboard. A battery housing includes a battery housing hole through whichthe shaft of the umbrella passes through. The battery housing houses therechargeable battery, battery charging circuit, voltage convertercircuit, and first, second, and third USB charging ports. A firstspring-loaded retractable cover is connected to the battery housing tocover the first USB charging port. A second spring-loaded retractablecover is connected to the battery housing to cover the second USBcharging port. A third spring-loaded retractable cover is connected tothe battery housing to covers the third USB charging port.

A battery housing includes a battery housing hole through which theshaft of the umbrella passes through. The battery housing houses therechargeable battery and battery charging circuit. An electrical socketis connected to the battery housing and the battery charging circuit. Aconnector connected to the electrical wires connected to the first andsecond solar panels is removably connected to the electrical socket.

A battery housing includes a battery housing hole through which theshaft of the umbrella passes through. The battery housing houses therechargeable battery, battery charging circuit, voltage convertercircuit, and first printed circuit board. A DC charging input can beconnected to the battery charging circuit.

A battery level indicator circuit is connected to the rechargeablebattery. A number of light emitting diodes are connected to the batterylevel indicator circuit. The battery level indicator circuit causes anumber of the light emitting diodes to illuminate, which will correspondto a charge level of the rechargeable battery.

In an implementation, a method includes providing an umbrella having ashaft and umbrella shade. The umbrella has an open position during whichthe umbrella shade is extended into a position away from the shaft and aclosed position during which the umbrella shade is folded into aposition closer to the shaft. A cap is connected above the umbrellashade to the shaft. A first strut includes a first solar panel and isconnected to the cap via first hinge at the cap. A second strut includesa second solar panel and is connected to the cap via second hinge at thecap.

The umbrella can be changed from the closed to the open position. Theumbrella shade pushes against a bottom of the struts while the umbrellashade is extended. This causes the struts to rotate via the first andsecond strut hinges in a first turn direction, so that an angle betweena top of the first strut and a top of the cap increases from a firstangle in the closed position to a second angle in the open position. Thesecond angle is greater than the first angle; and

The umbrella can be changed from the open to the closed position. Thebottom of the struts rest against the umbrella shade while the umbrellais folded. This causes the struts to rotate via the first and secondstrut hinges in a second turn direction, so that the angle between thetop of the first strut and the top of the cap decreases from the secondangle to the first angle. The second turn direction is opposite of thefirst turn direction.

In various implementations, each strut includes a sleeve havingtransparent top surface that allows solar radiation to pass through to arespective solar panel housed by the sleeve. A rechargeable battery isconnected to a battery charging circuit. The rechargeable battery ischarged using the battery charging circuit with solar power receivedfrom the first and second solar panels.

The rechargeable battery and battery charging circuit are housed in abattery housing having a hole extending through the housing. The batteryhousing is attached to the umbrella by passing the shaft through thehole of the housing.

The solar panels are connected to universal serial bus (USB) ports. TheUSB ports are housed in an enclosure having a USB opening for each USBport. For each USB opening, there is a spring-loaded retractable coverto cover the opening.

When the umbrella is in the closed position, at least a portion of aweight of the first strut is supported by the cap. When the umbrella isin the closed position, at least a portion of a weight of the secondstrut is supported by the cap.

A battery level indicator circuit is connected to the rechargeablebattery. The battery level indicator circuit detects a charge level ofthe rechargeable battery. One or more light emitting diodes are lightedto correspond to the charge level of the rechargeable battery.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent upon consideration of the following detailed descriptionand the accompanying drawings, in which like reference designationsrepresent like features throughout the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a front view of an umbrella in an implementation.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the umbrella.

FIGS. 1C-1D show underside views of the umbrella.

FIG. 1E shows a simplified image of the umbrella in a foldedconfiguration.

FIG. 1F shows a simplified image of the umbrella with a vent layerpositioned at a top-central portion of the shade.

FIG. 1G shows a simplified image of the umbrella with photovoltaic cellattached to a top portion of the umbrella.

FIG. 1H shows an image of an umbrella in an alternative implementation.

FIG. 1I shows an electronic circuit of the inductive charging pad in animplementation.

FIG. 1J shows a flow for an inductive charging method for inductivelycharging a portable electronic device in an implementation.

FIG. 1K shows a schematic of a charging pad and portable electronicdevice for use with the umbrella in an alternative implementation.

FIG. 1L shows an implementation where the umbrella pole has acapricious-cantilever shape.

FIGS. 1M-1N show implementations where the umbrella pole has amultiple-pole cantilever shape.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the umbrella where the umbrella is shownwithout the shade.

FIG. 3A shows an enlarged view of a specific implementation of a cap ofthe umbrella to which the solar panels are hinge connected.

FIG. 3B shows another specific implementation of a cap of the umbrella.

FIG. 4A shows a simplified perspective view of a central portion of theumbrella.

FIGS. 4B-4C show are simplified perspective views of the central portionof the umbrella in an alternative implementation where the batteryhousing includes at least one door positioned in front of one of thecharging terminals.

FIGS. 4D-4E show simplified perspective views of the central portion ofthe umbrella in an alternative implementation where the battery housingincludes at least one door positioned in front of one of chargingterminals where the charging terminal has a round shape.

FIG. 4F shows a simplified schematic of the battery housing and thedoors that cover the charging terminals.

FIG. 4G shows a bottom view of the battery housing and shows a removablebottom that provides access to the interior of the battery housing.

FIG. 4H shows a bottom view of the battery housing attached to theumbrella pole in an implementation where the battery housing includesone or more elements that inhibit the battery housing from rotating withrespect to the umbrella pole.

FIGS. 4I-4J show simplified perspective views of the battery housing andthe battery level indicator.

FIG. 5A shows a simplified perspective view of the central portion ofthe umbrella with a battery housing for the printed circuit board andbattery removed.

FIG. 5B shows a simplified schematic of an implementation of theumbrella where the battery, the circuit, and one or more chargingterminals are positioned within the umbrella pole of the umbrella.

FIG. 6 shows a further enlarged view of the shelf, the printed circuitboard, and the battery shelf.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the printed circuit board.

FIG. 8A shows a simplified image of an umbrella in an implementationinserted into an outdoor table.

FIG. 8B shows a kit for converting a standard umbrella into a solarumbrella with charging station.

FIG. 9A shows a simplified block diagram of a circuit of the umbrellathat may be mounted at least in part on the printed circuit board.

FIG. 9B shows an interior view of the battery housing where a metallicshield is positioned on an interior wall of the battery housing.

FIG. 9C shows a flow diagram of a communication method in animplementation of the invention.

FIG. 9D shows a diagram of the network communication device in animplementation.

FIG. 9E shows a diagram of an umbrella in an alternative implementationwhere the umbrella includes a network communication device configured tocommunicate with the portable electronic device.

FIG. 9F shows a flow diagram of a method for charging a portableelectronic device and substantially simultaneously providing networkaccess to the portable electronic device.

FIGS. 10A-10B show simplified side and top views, respectively, of anumbrella in an alternative implementation.

FIG. 10C show a simplified image of the umbrella shown in FIGS. 10A-10Bwhere the charging terminals includes wires that extend the chargingterminals from the umbrella pole or the battery housing.

FIGS. 11A-11C show simplified side views, top view, and back views,respectively of specific implementation of the invention incorporated ina chaise lounge.

FIGS. 12A-12B show side views of a detachable sunshade in animplementation.

FIG. 12C show a back view of the detachable sunshade.

FIG. 13 shows an environment where implementations of the presentinvention may be used by a user for charging one or more portableelectronic devices.

FIG. 14 shows an umbrella implementation having a four-sided shade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C respectively show a front view, a perspective view,and an underside view of an umbrella 100 in an implementation. FIG. 1Dshows a further enlarged underside view of umbrella 100. Umbrella 100 isconfigured to protect a user from light (e.g., sunlight), collect thelight, then convert the light into electricity, and use the electricityto power or charge one or more connected portable electronic devices107. Light collection, conversion, and charging are described furtherbelow after various mechanical elements of umbrella 100 are described.

In an implementation, umbrella 100 includes a shade 105, a number ofstruts 110 (e.g., 8 struts), a number of ribs 115 (e.g., 8 ribs orspines), a first hub 120, and a second hub 125. Umbrella 100 alsoincludes an umbrella pole 130 (sometimes referred to as an umbrellaspine or spine) that holds the umbrella upright when in use. Theumbrella pole can be aluminum, steel, wood, carbon fiber, or othermaterial. Umbrella 100 also includes a number of solar panels 135 (alsosometimes referred to as struts or rigid struts) that charge arechargeable battery housed in a battery housing 147. In alternativeimplementations, umbrella 100 includes one or more of these elements inany combination.

Shade 105 may be attached to struts 110, which in-turn may be hingeconnected to first hub 120 at an end of each strut. Ribs 115 arerespectively connected to struts 110 along a length of the struts andare hinge connected to second hub 125.

First hub 120 and second hub 125 each have central shafts in whichumbrella pole 130 may be positioned. Second hub 125 is configured toslide up and down along umbrella pole 130 to rotate struts 110 and ribs115 upward and downward for opening and closing (also sometimes referredto as unfolding and folding) shade 105 in a conventional manner.Umbrella 100 may include a crank 132 on umbrella pole 130 that connectsto second hub 125 via a cord or the like (not shown) for sliding secondhub 125 up or down along umbrella pole 130 to open or close shade 105.The cord can pass through the center of the umbrella pole or pass alongthe outside of the umbrella pole.

With the shade and the frame in the upward position (i.e., openposition), the top of each solar panel and the top of the cap are at afirst angle with respect to each other. See FIGS. 1A-1B. With the shadeand the frame in the downward position (i.e., closed position), the topof each solar panel and the top of the cap are at a second angle withrespect to each other. See FIG. 1E. The second angle is greater than thefirst angle.

In another implementation, wires electrically connect the solar panelsthe battery housing. The wires can be routed through the umbrella polefrom the solar panels to the battery housing. In the umbrella pole thewires can include a separable wire where the umbrella pole is separableand the separable wire is separable at a location of the umbrella polewhere the umbrella pole is separable.

The wires can be routed out of the umbrella pole under the cap andthrough the housings of the solar panels to the photovoltaic cells thatare positioned in the housings. The wires can also be routed under thehinges that hinge connect the solar panels to the cap. In someimplementations, the wires can be routed through the hinges, which caninclude electrical contacts therein for routing current.

FIG. 1E is a simplified image of umbrella 100 in a closed configurationwith shade 105, struts 110, ribs 115, and solar panels 135 are foldeddownward. Second hub 125 is moved to a downward position along umbrellapole 130 to effect the closed configuration. Struts 110, ribs 115, firsthub 120, and second hub 125 are sometimes referred to as the foldableframe structure of umbrella 100.

Umbrella 100 may include a strap or other closing device that isconfigured to wrap around shade 105 to hold the shade, the foldableframe structure, and the solar panels in the closed configuration. Theclosing device may be a attached to shade 105 and might include a pieceof fabric (e.g., fabric strap) with a hook and loop fastening mechanism(e.g., Velcro® of Velcro Industries B.V) or other type of closingmechanism including clasps, buckles, and ties.

Shade 105 is shown in FIGS. 1A-1D as being substantially round orcircular as viewed from the top of the shade. Shade 105 may have avariety of other shapes with straight or relatively straight sides suchas square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, orthe like. The number of struts and the number of ribs that umbrella 100includes may match the number of sides of shade 105. For example, for asquare shaded implementation, umbrella 100 might have 4 struts and 4ribs; for a pentagonal shaded implementation, the umbrella might have 5struts and 5 ribs; for a hexagonal shaded implementation, the umbrellacan have 6 struts and 6 ribs, and so forth.

FIG. 14 shows an example of an umbrella having a four-sided shade (e.g.,square shade or a rectangular shade). The figure shows a four-sidedshade from a perspective view. The four-side umbrella includes foursolar panels. The solar panels are shown as extending along the strutsof the frame, but may extend along portions of the shade away from thestruts. Some embodiments can include more or fewer solar panels, such as1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more solar panels. The four-sided shades (aswell as other shades described in this application) can include anoverhang portion that extends downward from edges of the shade. Forexample, FIG. 14 shows a four-sided shade embodiment that includes anoverhang portion that extends downward from an edge of the shade. Thefour-sided shade umbrellas may include one or more of the umbrellaelements and features described in this application in any combinationincluding for example, battery housings, rechargeable batteries,charging terminals, and other elements and features.

Struts 110 and ribs 115 may be made of a variety of materials, such aswood, plastic, fiberglass, steel, aluminum, or the like, or acombination of one or more of these materials. The dimensions of theshade can vary depending on the shape. For example, a round, hexagonalor octagonal shade can have a diameter of about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11feet or greater when the shade is fully extended. A square orrectangular umbrella can have a width of about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11 feet or greater when the shade is fully extended.

In various specific implementations, an umbrella with 8 struts and 8ribs can have a 9-foot diameter shade (or 11-foot diameter shade). Anumbrella with 6 struts and 6 ribs can have a 7-foot diameter shade (or8-foot diameter shade). For example, the umbrella with 8 struts and 8ribs can have about a 9-foot diameter shade (e.g., from 7- to 11-footshade) with 8 solar panels 135, each associated with a strut, each panelbeing about 30 inches long by about 3.5 inches wide by about 0.5 inchesthick and extending greater than 50 percent down shade 105 (i.e., 50percent of the radius of shade 105 or greater). While the solar panelsare descried as being about 30 inches long, each solar panel may have aother lengths, such as 10 inches, 15 inches, 20 inches, 25 inches, 35inches, 40 inches, or other lengths. Further, while the solar panels aredescribed as being about 3.5 inches wide, each solar panel may haveother widths, such as 2 inches, 2.5 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 4.5inches, 5 inches, or other widths. Further, while the solar panels aredescribed as being about 0.5 inches thick, each solar panel may be otherthicknesses, such as about 0.2 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.35inches, 0.4 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.55 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.65 inches,0.7 inches, 0.75 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.85 inches, 0.9 inches, 0.95inches, 1 inch, or other thicknesses.

Shade 105 may also include a skirt (sometimes referred to as anoverhang) that hangs down from a side of the shade. A skirt of shade 105may hang down from the shade from about 2 inches to about 9 inches,although skirts of other widths might be used with relatively largeumbrellas. Umbrella 10 may also include a vent layer 108 (e.g., formedfrom the same material that forms shade 105) that is positioned above acentral portion of the shade (see FIG. 1F). Shade 105 may have a cutout(or vent) in the material forming the shade (e.g., canvas (e.g.,cotton), plastic, nylon, mylar, vinyl, polyester, olefin, acrylic, orthe like) under vent layer 108 so that air moving across the shade canmove under the vent layer and through the vent. Vent layer 108 is shownin FIG. 1F as being positioned above solar panels 135, but may bepositioned under the solar panels and above shade 105. The vent in shade105 may be smaller than the vent layer so that the vent is substantiallynot visible when viewing the umbrella from the side.

FIG. 1G is a simplified image of umbrella 100 with a solar panel 135′that is positioned substantially at the top of the umbrella. Solar panel135′ may include one or more photovoltaic cells positioned inside of ahousing (e.g., a plastic housing). The housing includes a clear top(e.g., formed of clear rigid plastic) that allows light to pass to thephotovoltaic cells that are positioned in the housing. The housinginhibits dust, moisture, and other small particles from reaching thephotovoltaic cells in the housing. Solar panel 135′ may be attached toumbrella pole 130 via a cap 150 (described further below) or by otherdevices. Solar panel 135′ is configured to charge battery 185 (describedbelow) substantially similarly to solar panel 135 as described in thisapplication. Solar panel 135′ may be round as shown in FIG. 1G or mayhave other shapes. Further, while solar panel 135′ is shown as generallyflat, the solar panel may have a variety of other shapes such as cone(e.g., a cut off cone) where the angle of the cone substantially matchesthe sloping angle of shade 105.

Inductive Charging Pad. In an implementation, a solar-charging stationincludes, in addition or as alternative to the USB ports, inductivecharging ports. As an example, referring to FIG. 1H, the shelf 160includes four positions that are marked (e.g., square or rectangularboxes) to indicate the location of wirelessly charging ports. The usercan place their battery-operated device within or near the wirelesscharging port, and the device will be charged wirelessly. In a designfor four devices, there can be various implementations that total fourports, wired or wireless. For example, an implementation has fourwireless charging ports. Another implementation as three wireless portsand one USB charging port. Another implementation as two wireless portsand two USB charging ports. The wireless charging ports are connected tobattery housing 147 by wires.

In a specific implementation, FIG. 1H shows an umbrella 400. Umbrella400 is similar to umbrella 100, but differs from umbrella 100 in thatumbrella 400 includes an inductive charging pad 405, connected via USB.The inductive charging pad can be provided to users who want to chargewirelessly.

A wireless charging port, such as inductive charging pad 405, iselectrically connected to the umbrella and is configured to useelectrical energy received from the umbrella' solar panels toinductively charge at least one portable electronic device 107 placed onthe wireless charging port. More specifically, the wireless chargingport is configured to generate an alternating magnetic field that can becollected and used by the portable electronic device to charge theportable electronic device's rechargeable battery.

A wireless charging port, such as inductive charging pad 405, may beelectrically connected to battery housing 147 to receive electricalenergy from the battery housing's rechargeable battery. The wirelesscharging port may be hardwired to the battery housing via a chargingwire 410, or charging wire 410 may be configured to removably connect toone of the battery housing's charging terminals. In an integrateddesign, charging wire 410 secured and hidden from view.

The inductive charging pad includes an exterior housing that houses anelectronic circuit and at least one inductor that may be controlled bythe electronic circuit. The inductor is positioned under a top of theexterior housing and has winding that are substantially planar withrespect to the top, substantially transverse with respect to the top, orpositioned at a different angular orientation.

In some implementations the exterior housing houses more than oneinductor, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or moreinductors where each inductors is controlled by the electroniccircuitry. For example, two or more inductors may be positionedlaterally adjacent to each other within the exterior housing to providetwo or more charging zones on a top of the exterior housing. Eachcharging zone is configured to charge one or more portable electronicdevices at a given time.

In some implementations, each charging zone includes a number ofinductors (e.g., 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, or more inductors). Multipleinductors in a charging zone may be positioned to overlap each other ormay be positioned laterally adjacent. Positioning a number of inductorsin a charging zone provides that a portable electronic device can bepositioned in a variety of positions in the charging zone and beinductively connected to at least one of the charging zone's inductors.That is, a portable electronic device does not have to be placed in onespecific location or one specific orientation in the charging zone to beinductive connected to the inductive charging pad.

In an implementation, the top of the exterior housing includes one ormore indicators that indicate the locations of the one or more chargingzones. The one or more indicators include one or more visibleindicators, one or more physical indicators (e.g., raised portions,lowered portions, or both), or both. For example, a visible indicatorcan include a visible loop (e.g., a loop of white paint or othermaterial) that indicates a charging zone. A physical indicator mayinclude a raised ridge (e.g., a closed raised ridge), a trench (e.g.,closed trench), a textured surface, or combination of these indicatorsto indicate a charging zone.

The inductive charging pad is configured to operate according to one ormore wireless charging specifications. For example, the inductivecharging pad can operate according to one or more of the Wireless PowerConsortium (WPC) wireless charging specifications, such as one or moreversions of the WPC Qi specification. The WPC Qi wireless chargingspecification is a highly active specification that is actively beingexpanded to address multiple charging applications and chargingconfigurations. As another example, the inductive charging pad canoperate according to one or more versions of the Power Matters Alliance(PMA) specifications. As another example, the inductive charging pad canoperate according to one or more of the versions of the Alliance forWireless Power (A4WP) specifications, such as the Rezence™ (trademark ofA4WP) specification for inductive charging. Each of the wirelesscharging specifications and all of the revisions of these wirelesscharging specifications are incorporated by reference.

In an implementation, the visible indicators that indicate the one ormore charging zones on the top of the external housing include one ormore logos for the charging specifications, such as the trademarkedlogos for the WPC Qi specification, the PMA specification, the A4WP, orother specifications.

In some implementations, the inductive charging pad is configured tocommunicate with a portable electronic device positioned on the top ofthe inductive charging pad. The inductive charging pad and the portableelectronic device may communicate (e.g., digitally) via the inducedmagnetic fields generated by the inductors in the inductive charging padand the portable electronic device. The inductors in the inductivecharging pad and the portable electronic device that are configured forcommunication may also be configured for providing charging power to aportable electronic device.

In an implementation, prior to the inductive charging pad providingcharging power to the portable electronic device, the inductive chargingpad and the portable electronic device engage in a handshake procedurewhere device information is provided by one or both devices to the otherof the devices. For example, the inductive charging pad may collectinformation from the portable electronic device regarding the chargingspecification that the portable electronic device is configured tooperate under for inductive charging. The portable electronic device mayalso collect information from the inductive charging pad regarding thecharging specification that the portable electronic device is configuredto operate under for inductive charging. The inductive charging pad orthe portable electronic device may also provide other information, suchas revision information (e.g., revision number) for the particularrevision of the inductive charging specification, operating systeminformation, device type information, or other information. Theinductive charging pad, the portable electronic device, or both devicescan provide the other device with one or more of these pieces ofinformation in any combination.

FIG. 1I is a diagram of an electronic circuit 420 of the inductivecharging pad in an implementation. Electronic circuit 420 includes aprocessor 430, a communications and control unit 435, a driving circuit440 (also sometimes referred to as a power conversion unit), at leastone inductor 445, a communication bus 447, a memory 450, a power bus455, a power bus 455, and a power port 457. The electronic circuit caninclude one or more of these circuit elements in any combination. Thedescribed circuit elements can be positioned on one or more printedcircuit boards that are enclosed in the exterior housing of theinductive charging pad where the exterior housing may be configured tobe positioned on shelf 160 of umbrella 400 for use.

In some implementations, the inductive charging pad includes two or moreelectronic circuits 420 so that the inductive charging pad caninductively charge two or more portable electronic devices at the sametime. In some implementations that include two or more electroniccircuits 420, some of the circuit elements included in the electroniccircuits can be shared between the electronic circuits, such as theprocessor, the memory, or other circuit elements.

Processor 430 can include a microcontroller or a microprocessor. In someembodiments, processor 430 is replaced with programmable logic device, afield programmable gate array, or other control circuit. Memory 450 canbe FLASH, EEPROM, EPROM, PROM, or other nontransitory memory type. Thememory may store information for the various charging specificationsthat the inductive charging pad operates under, communicationinformation that may be transmitted to a portable electronic device viathe inductive charging pad, as well as other information used by theinductive charging pad.

Communication bus 447 connects the processor, the memory, the drivingcircuit, and the communications and control unit. The communication busprovides for communication between the circuit elements. In someimplementations, the communication bus does not connect to each of thecircuit elements as shown in FIG. 1I. For example, in someimplementations, the communications and control unit may beelectronically positioned between the processor and the driving circuitwhere communications from the processor to the communications andcontrol unit pass through the communication bus to the driving circuit,and then through the driving circuit to the communications and controlunit.

In implementations that include the power bus, the power bus candistribute power from battery housing 147 of umbrella 400 to one or moreof the processor, the memory, the driving circuit, the communicationsand control unit, and other circuit elements. Inductor 445 may receivepower from one or both of the driving circuit and the communications andcontrol unit. The inductive charging pad can be hard wired to thebattery housing, or can be removably connectable to one of chargingterminals 165 of the battery housing. In an implementation where theinductive charging pad is configured to removably connect to one of thecharging terminals 165 of the battery housing, the charging terminals ofthe battery housing and the inductive charging pad may operate accordingto a USB standard. The inductive charging pad can include a USB stack(e.g., a software element stored in the memory) and various circuits toexecute and support the USB stack.

The inductive charging pad can receive electrical power from therechargeable battery of the battery housing through the control circuit180 (described further with respect to FIG. 9A below) of therechargeable battery. That is, the control circuit 180 of umbrella 400may be electronically positioned between the rechargeable battery andthe inductive charging pad to control electrical power delivery from therechargeable battery to the inductive charging pad.

In an implementation, the inductive charging pad receives electric powerdirectly from the solar panels. Electrical power received directly fromthe solar panels may bypass the battery housing or may be routed throughthe battery housing to the inductive charging pad.

In an implementation, shelf 160 includes the inductive charging pad.Specifically, shelf 160 includes inductor 445 where the inductor caninductively charge a portable electronic device that is positioned onthe shelf. The inductor may be positioned on a bottom surface of theshelf or within the shelf, such as integrally formed with the shelf.

For example, for a plastic shelf or a shelf formed of a similarmaterial, the inductor may be positioned inside the plastic materialthat forms the shelf with a connector to the inductor formed at a sideor bottom of the shelf. The inductor may be integrally formed in theshelf within the top half of the shelf, within the top quarter of theshelf, within the eighth of the shelf, within the top sixteenth of theshelf, within the top thirty second of the shelf, or other fractionallocation with respect to the top of the shelf. The inductor maypositioned in the shelf within a 1 millimeter from the top, within a 2millimeters from the top, within a 3 millimeters from the top, within a4 millimeters from the top, within a 5 millimeters from the top, withina 6 millimeters from the top, within a 7 millimeters from the top,within a 8 millimeters from the top, within a 9 millimeters from thetop, within a 10 millimeters from the top, or other distance from thetop of the shelf

In an implementation, the shelf includes a compartment formed in theshelf where the inductor is positioned in the compartment. Thecompartment may be formed in the top of the shelf with an upward facingopening (e.g., upward with respect to the bottom of the umbrella poleand with respect to the shade of the umbrella) or formed in the bottomof the shelf with a downward facing opening (e.g., downward with respectto the bottom of the umbrella pole and with respect to the shade of theumbrella). The compartment may be configured to be covered by a cover,such as a user detachable cover. More specifically, the compartment mayinclude an area where the shelf is thinned from the bottom or top of theshelf.

In a configuration where the compartment is formed in the bottom of theshelf (opening downward), the inductor can be located along (e.g.,attached) a top surface of the thinned area, which positions theinductor relatively close to the top of the shelf for efficient transferof inductive energy to a mobile charging device positioned on top of theshelf. In a configuration where the compartment is formed in the top ofthe shelf (opening upward), the inductor can be poisoned on the inside(e.g., attached to) of the detachable cover that covers the compartment.

The shelf can include various markings to indicate where a portableelectronic device can be positioned on the shelf for inductive charging.

Shelf 160 may include one or more of processor 430, communications andcontrol unit 435, driving circuit 440, communication bus 447, memory450, a power bus 455, and a power terminal 457. For example, thesecircuit elements may be positioned in a housing connected to a bottom ora top of the shelf or may be positioned in a compartment formed in theshelf with a cover configured to cover the circuit elements. The circuitelements can be located in the same compartment that houses theinductor. The shelf can include power terminal 457 (e.g., a USBconnector) that is configured to receive electrical power from thebattery housing and route the electrical power from the battery housingto the circuit elements located on or in the shelf.

In an alternative implementation, battery housing 147 houses one or moreof the circuit elements. The battery housing can include an electricalconnector that connects the circuit elements to the shelf, whichincludes the inductor. The electrical connector of the battery housingcan be one of the battery housing's charging ports (e.g., a USBconnector) or can be a dedicated connector.

In another implementation, battery housing 147 includes the inductivecharging pad. Specifically, the described electronic elements ofelectronic circuit 420 are contained in the battery housing and receivepower from the rechargeable battery. Inductor 445 can be containedwithin the top of the battery housing (e.g., integrally formed in thetop), may be positioned on a bottom side of the top of the batteryhousing, or may be contained in a compartment (thinned portion) in thetop. Thereby, the inductor can provide inductive charging power to amobile device that is located on the top of the battery housing. In someembodiments, the battery housing includes a shelf that includes theinductor. The shelf may extend from a side of the battery housing, andmay be configured to be unfolded and folded from the battery housing foruse and storage.

FIG. 1J is a flow diagram for an inductive charging method forinductively charging a portable electronic device in an implementation.The flow diagram represents one example implementation and steps may beadded to the flow diagram, removed from the flow diagram, or combinedwithout deviating from the scope of the implementation.

In an initial step 500, a portable electronic device is placed on theinductive charging pad, and the portable electronic device and theinductive charging pad detect each other. Thereafter, the inductivecharging pad, the portable electronic device, or both transmitinformation to each other (see step 505) via their respective inductors.For example, the inductive charging pad and the portable electronicdevice may execute a handshake procedure where the devices recognizeeach other and share information regarding their charging requirements.For example, the portable electronic device may transmit information forthe portable electronic device's charging requirements (such as thecharging specification) to the inductive charging pad, and the inductivecharging pad may transmit information to the portable electronic deviceregarding the inductive charging pad's charging capabilities, such asweather the inductive charging pad can provide inductive charging poweraccording to the charging requirements requested by the portableelectronic device.

For example, driving circuit 440 can place a substantially steadyalternating current on the inductor and communications and control unit435 may modulate this current with a digital communication signal forcommunicating with to the portable electronic device. The communicationsand control unit 435 may also be configured to demodulate digitalcommunication signals received on inductor 447 from the portableelectronic device. The processor can control both the driving circuitand the communications and control unit to drive the modulatedalternating current onto the inductor. The portable electronic devicemay undergo a similar step of placing a modulated digital signal ontothe device's own inductor 470. The processor may retrieve variousinformation from the memory for interpreting received communications andfor transmitting information.

In some implementations, the inductive charging pad is a listeningdevice, and does not transmit communication signals to the portableelectronic device, but responds to requests for providing inductivecharging power according to charging specification information receivedfrom the portable electronic device. For example, in response to atransmission from the portable electronic device requesting that theinductive charging pad provide inductive charging power according to thegiven charging specification, the communications and control unit mayreceive the transmitted request and configure the drive circuit toprovide the requested inductive charging power according to the givencharging specification.

Further, while specific embodiments of the inductive charging pad havebeen described as including one inductor that is configured forinductive charging and inductive information communication, theinductive charging pad may include one or more inductors that arededicated for information communication and one or more inductors thatare dedicated for inductive charging.

In an implementation, the inductive charging pad and the portableelectronic device communicate through a communication channel other thanthe induction field. For example, the inductive charging pad and theportable electronic device may be configured to communicate through anRF link, such as a Bluetooth link. The inductive charging pad caninclude a Bluetooth stack that is electronically connected to theprocessor through the communication bus for controlling Bluetoothcommunications. The portable electronic device can be similarlyconfigured to Bluetooth communications.

In some implementations, one or both of the inductive charging pad andthe portable electronic device operate under two or more chargingspecifications. If the inductive charging pad and the portableelectronic device operate under two or more charging specifications, thehandshake procedure can include communications where the inductivecharging pad and the portable electronic device agree to operate underone of the common charging specifications that both devices can operateunder.

Alternatively, the portable electronic device may be configured tooperate under one charging specification and the inductive charging padmay be configured to operate under a number of charging specifications.The inductive charging pad may adapt to operate under the chargingspecification requested by the portable electronic device (see step510). For example, the communications and control unit 435 may configuredriving circuit 440 to operate under the charging specificationrequested by the portable electronic device.

For example, the communications and control unit 435 may connect ordisconnect various circuits in the driving circuit 440 so that thedriving circuit operates according to the charging specificationrequested by the portable electronic device. For example, thecommunications and control unit 435 can connect and disconnect variouscircuitry in driving circuit 440 so that the inductive charging pad canoperate according to the WPC's Qi specification, the PMA specification,the A4WP's Rezence specification, or other specifications.

Subsequent to conforming to the charging specification of the portableelectronic device, the inductive charging pad powers inductor 445 toprovide inductive charging power to the portable electronic device (seestep 515) where the charging power if derived from the electrical energygenerated by the solar panels and provided to the inductive charging padfrom the solar panels. The processor may then control a chargingindicator 460 to indicate that the inductive charging pad is chargingthe rechargeable battery of the mobile device (see step 520). Thecharging indicator may be an LED indicator (such as an orange LEDindicator), may be a display (such as an LED display) that displays amessage (text, graphics, or both) that indicates charging. The chargingindicator may include a speaker system that generates a sound thatindicates charging. The portable electronic device may similarly includea charging indicator to indicate that the portable electronic device isbeing charged by the inductive charging pad.

Alternatively, if the inductive charging pad and portable electronicdevice are not configured to operate under the same chargingspecification, the processor may then control an incompatibilityindicator 465 to indicate that the inductive charging pad is notcharging the rechargeable battery of the mobile device. Theincompatibility indicator may be an LED indicator, such as a red LEDindicator, may be a display, such as an LED display, that displays amessage (text, graphics, or both) that indicate that the portableelectronic device is no being charging. The incompatibility indicatormay include a speaker that generates a sound that indicates the lack ofcharging. The portable electronic device may similarly include anincompatibility indicator to indicate that the portable electronicdevice is not being charged by the inductive charging pad.

In another implementation, if the inductive charging pad and portableelectronic device are not configured to operate under the same chargingspecification, the processor can control the driving circuit and thecommunication and control unit to operate the inductor according to acharging specification that most closely matches the chargingspecification of the portable electronic device. The mismatch incharging specifications may result in the rechargeable battery of theportable electronic device charging, but charging at a lower thanoptical charging efficiency. That is, inductor 470 of the portableelectronic device may reflect back a portion of the received inductivepower provided by inductor 445 where the reflected power will be wastedand not used for charging the portable electronic device's rechargeablebattery. The processor may control the charging indicator to indicatethis less than optimal charging by lighting an LED of third color, suchas a yellow LED.

When the rechargeable battery of the portable electronic device is fullycharged, the portable electronic device may transmit a communication tothe inductive charging pad that indicates that charging is complete (seestep 525). After receiving and processing the communication, theprocessor can control the driving circuit and the communications andcontrol unit to stop providing charging current to the inductor (seestep 530). The processor may control the charging indicator to indicatethat the portable electronic device is fully charged. For example, theprocessor may control the charging indicator to light a green LED toindicate that charging is complete. The portable electronic device maybe similarly configured to indicate that charging is complete.

The method described above with respect to FIG. 1J can be operated for anumber of portable electronic devices positioned in the inductivecharging pad. Portions or the entire method can be executedsubstantially in parallel for two or more portable electronic devicespositioned on the inductive charging pad. As described, the two or moreportable electronic devices positioned on the inductive charging pad canoperate according to two or more different inductive chargingspecification, which the inductive charging pad can adapt to forproviding inductive charging power to the two or more portableelectronic devices substantially simultaneously. The two or moreportable electronic device can respectively communicate specificationinformation for their two or more inductive charging specification tothe inductive charging pad.

FIG. 1K is a schematic of an inductive charging pad 600 and portableelectronic device 607 for use with umbrella 400 according to analternative implementation. Inductive charging pad 600 is substantiallysimilar to inductive charging pad 400, but differs in that charging pad600 includes a relatively high resonance device 645. Portable electronicdevice 607 similarly includes a relatively high resonance device 670.Resonance device 645 is configured to inductively generate analternating magnetic field that resonance device 670 is configured todetect and based on the detection generate an alternating current inresonance device 670 based on the detection. In some embodiments, theinductive charging pad includes a number of electronic circuits shown inFIG. 1K where the electronic circuits are associated with acorresponding number of charging zones.

The resonance devices are configured to resonate at substantially thesame frequency of alternating magnetic field and the portable electronicdevice is configured to use the magnetic field detected by resonancedevice 670 for charging the portable electronic device's rechargeablebattery or for other useful purpose, such as powering the portableelectronic device. The portable electronic device can include variouscircuits (not shown) for rectifying the alternating current for chargingthe portable electronic device's rechargeable battery.

The resonance devices can operate in the nonradiative near field whereevanescent magnetic field patterns provide for relatively highefficiency energy transfer between the resonance devices. Operating inthe nonradiative near field provides that the resonance devices can beseparated by approximately a wavelength or less of the electromagneticwavelength of the operating frequency and maintain a relatively high Qfactor.

Resonance device 645 may generate an alternating magnetic field thatalternates at a variety frequencies. In some implementations, resonancedevice 645 generates a magnetic field that alternates at a frequencyfrom about 1 megahertz to about 10 megahertz, such as about 6.78megahertz. The Q factor for the resonance devices can be 50 or greater,100 or greater, 200 or greater, 300 or greater, 400 or greater, 500 orgreater, 600 or greater, 700 or greater, 800 or greater, 900 or greater,or 1000 or greater.

In some implementations, resonance device 645 includes a metal ring 650or a coil, such as a copper ring or copper coil, and includes a pair ofterminal devices 655 and 660. The terminal devices can be capacitiveplates that at least in part control a resonant frequency of theresonance device. The resonance devices are sometimes referred to ascapacitively-loaded conducting loops, capacitively-loaded conductingloops coils, or capacitively-loaded inductors.

The terminal devices can include dielectric or metal and can havevarious dielectric and conductive properties to control the resonantfrequency. The terminal devices can also have a variety of shapes, suchas disk shape, spherical shape, or other shape. For example, theterminal devices can be a dielectric disk, a dielectric sphere, ametallic disk, a metallic sphere, a metallodielectric disk, ametallodielectric sphere, a plasmonic disk, a plasmonic sphere, apolaritonic disk, a polaritonic sphere, a capacitively-loadedconducting-wire loop. The radius of the disk or sphere can beproportional to a radius of the metal ring or coil. Resonance device 670may be similarly configured to resonance device 645.

The radius of each of the resonance devices can be approximately 0.5centimeters or greater, such 1 centimeter or greater, 2 centimeters orgreater, 5 centimeters or greater, 10 centimeters or greater, 15centimeters or greater, 20 centimeters or greater, 30 centimeters orgreater, 40 centimeters or greater, 50 centimeters or greater, or 100centimeters or greater. While the resonance devices are shown in FIG. 1Kas being generally circular in shape, the resonance devices can haveother shapes, such as square, rectangular, ovoid, elliptical,triangular, capricious, or other shapes.

FIGS. 1N-1P show umbrella pole 130 as being relatively straight andconfigured to be relatively vertically oriented when umbrella 100 is inuse. In alternative implementations, umbrella pole 130 has a variety ofother shapes, such as the capricious-cantilever shape shown in FIG. 1N,the multiple-pole cantilever shapes shown in FIGS. 1O and 1P, or othershapes. In the implementations where umbrella pole 130 has amultiple-pole cantilever shape, a cantilever arm 130 a of the umbrellapole may be attached (FIG. 1O) to the foldable frame structure of theumbrella or may form a portion of the foldable frame structure. Forexample, cantilever arm 130 a can be attached to one of struts 110 ormay be one of the struts. The cantilevered arm can be above shadematerial 105 or below shade material 105. In some implementations,cantilevered arm 130 a is attached to the umbrella pole (e.g., detachedfrom foldable the frame structure) or attached to the top of thefoldable frame (FIG. 1P). Cantilever arm 130 a may be cantileverattached to a stand pole 130 b and may have additional support from atruss pole 130 c.

FIG. 2 is a top view of umbrella 100 that is shown without shade 105. Asshown in FIG. 2 and other figures, umbrella 100 further includes one ormore of solar panels 135. Each solar panel 135 may include 3photovoltaic cells 140 a, 140 b, and 140 c (generally photovoltaic cells140) and a housing 145 that houses the photovoltaic cells. While eachsolar panel 135 is described as including three photovoltaic cells, eachsolar panel may include more or fewer photovoltaic cells, such as one,two, four, five, six, seven, or more photovoltaic cells. Each housing145 may be a sleeve in which photovoltaic cells 140 a-140 c are housed.Each housing 145 may be formed from a variety of materials such asplastic, nylon, metal (e.g., aluminum), or the like, or any combinationof these materials.

In one specific implementation, each solar panel 135 has threephotovoltaic cells where each photovoltaic cell is 10 inches long by 3inches wide. Each photovoltaic cell can produce up to about 12 volts at750 milliamps, depending on the available sunlight. The threephotovoltaic cells of a solar panel are inserted into one of thehousings 145 (e.g., clear housings) that holds the photovoltaic cellstogether and protects them. For example, each housing 145 may beconfigured to be substantially water resistant so that moisture (e.g.,rain, mist, or the like) does not penetrate the housing and reach thephotovoltaic cells in the housing. Each housing may also be configuredto inhibit dust from reaching the photovoltaic cells.

In an alternative specific implementation, each solar panel 135 has twophotovoltaic cells where each photovoltaic cell is 10 inches long by 3inches wide and each photovoltaic cell can produce up to about 12 voltsat 750 milliamps, depending on the available sunlight. For example, anumbrella that is used in a relatively sunny environment might includetwo photovoltaic cells per housing, whereas an umbrella that is used ina less sunny environment might include three or more photovoltaic cellsper housing.

For some implementations, a housing 145 that is configured to housethree photovoltaic cells, houses the two photovoltaic cells where anadditional photovoltaic cell can be put into each housing as an optionalupgrade to the umbrella. The position at which a third photovoltaic cellwould have been placed in a housing can be filled with a spacer the sizeof a third photovoltaic cell. A spacer in a housing inhibits the twophotovoltaic cells included in a housing from sliding in the housing andinhibits the photovoltaic cells from being damaged when the umbrella ismoved. In implementations where each housing includes one photovoltaiccell, the housing can include two spacers where the spacers areremovable for the possible later inclusion of one or two additionalphotovoltaic cells.

In some implementations, each housing has a length that is configured tohouse a specific number of photovoltaic cells. For example, a housingthat includes one photovoltaic cell, is shorter than a housing thatincludes two photovoltaic cells, and a housing that includes twophotovoltaic cells is shorter than a housing that includes threephotovoltaic cells. Solar panels that include one or two photovoltaiccells can have lengths that are fifty percent of the radius of the shadeof the umbrella or shorter than fifty percent of the radius. Solarpanels that include three or more photovoltaic cells can have lengthsthat are greater than fifty percent of the radius of the shade.

In an implementation, the photovoltaic cells are 9 to 11 inches long(e.g., 10 inches long as described above) and approximately 2.5 to 3.5inches wide (e.g., 3 inches wide, described above). Each set of threephotovoltaic cells on each strut 110 may be configured to generateapproximately 500 milliamps to approximately 1000 milliamps (e.g., 750milliamps, described above) at approximately 10 volts to 14 volts (e.g.,12 volts, described above). The amount of current or power generatedwill depend on the intensity of the light source (e.g., sun) that isshining on the panel. The sets of three photovoltaic cells may beelectrically parallel to provide approximately 4 amps to approximately 8amps (e.g., 6 amps, described above) at the described voltages. Variousphotovoltaic cell technologies may be used for photovoltaic cells 140,such as single crystal silicon, polycrystalline silicon, polymer solarcells, organic solar cells, and other thin film technologies.

In the configuration described above, a 9- to 11-foot umbrella shade cansupport 24 cells, yielding a maximum current of about 6 amps at 12volts. This voltage can charge a rechargeable battery having about22,000 milliamp-hour capacity. The rechargeable battery is connected,through a printed circuit board (PCB, described below) includingcircuitry discussed below, to supply power to three charging terminals(e.g., 3 USB type A receptacles described below) that are used forcharging one or more portable electronic devices 107 at the same time.

For example, corresponding USB plugs can connect to these chargingterminals for charging of portable electronic devices 107. Power isdelivered from the rechargeable battery through the charging terminals,and through cables that connect the charging terminals to the portableelectronic devices. As the rechargeable battery becomes depleted, sun oranother light source shining on the solar panels causes the generationof electricity, which via circuitry (described below) on the printedcircuit board charge the rechargeable battery.

In some implementations, each housing 145 is attached to one of struts110. For example, each housing 145 may be attached to one of struts 145at a first end portion 145 a of housing 145. Various clasps, brackets,or the like may attach housings 145 to struts 110. Alternatively, eachhousing 145 can be positioned above one of the struts 110 without beingattached to the strut where shade 105 is positioned between the housingand the strut. With solar panels 135 attached to the struts or above thestruts at the top of umbrella 100, the solar panels are positioned tocollect a relatively large amount of light that falls on the umbrellafor conversion to electrical energy.

In some implementations, each housing 145 can be hinge rotatedindependently of struts 110 being raised and lowered. In anotheralternative, each housing 145 may be positioned above shade 105 andpositioned laterally between two struts 110. Further, each housing 145may be attached to, or detached from, shade 105. In another specificimplementation, each housing is not included in a fabric pocket of shade105, but is positioned above fabric forming the shade.

Umbrella Cap. In an implementation, umbrella 100 includes a cap 150 (seeFIG. 2) and a cap retainer 155 that connects the cap to a top of theumbrella pole. Cap retainer 155 may be a finial that includes a threadedrod, a threaded nut, or other attachment device that attaches (e.g.,threads) the cap to the umbrella pole. In some implementations, capretainer 155 is configured to removably attach the cap to the umbrellapole. Cap 150 may be configured to be positioned above the first hub onthe umbrella pole and above the shade. The cap can be made of metal,such as steel or aluminum, nylon, plastic, composites, or other suitablematerial.

FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of cap 150 in an implementation. Cap 150includes a top portion 150 a and a number of arms 150 b (e.g., 8 armsthat are respectively associated with ribs 115 and solar panels 135)that extend from the top portion (e.g., extend outward and down from thetop portion). Top portion 150 a may be substantially flat and have acentrally positioned aperture 150 e formed in the top portion. Aperture150 e may be configured to receive a fastener, such as a bolt (e.g.,threaded bolt) of umbrella pole 130 or cap retainer 155 for attachingcap 150 to the umbrella pole.

In an implementation, the top of the umbrella (e.g., the top of theumbrella pole) has a threaded bolt to which the cap retainer 155 (e.g.,an ornament or finial) is typically screwed onto. When the cap retaineris unscrewed, the threaded bolt is exposed. Cap 150 can then be placedonto the bolt, such that the bolt passes through aperture 150 e. The capretainer is then screwed onto the bolt, holding the cap in place on theumbrella. The cap is positioned between the cap retainer and the shadematerial of the shade.

Arms 150 b are attached to solar panels, where a hinged connectionbetween each arm and solar panel allows the solar panels to rotate upand down (i.e., open and close) as the shade of the umbrella opens andcloses.

Each arm 150 b may be connected to top portion 150 a of cap 150. Thearms may be curved and may extend downward from the top portion 150. Inan implementation, each arm has a substantially continuous curve betweenthe ends of the arm.

The arms and the top portion of the cap can be integrally formed. Forexample, the cap can be a stamped piece of metal, can be cut from asingle piece of metal where the arms are bent downward, or the arms canbe welded to the top portion to form an integrated cap. Alternatively,the arm can be attached to the top portion of the cap via fasteners,such as nuts and bolts.

In an implementation, cap 150 has a number of apertures 150 f formed intop portion 150 a. The apertures may be formed in pairs 150 g and eachpair may be positioned adjacent to the ends of arms 150 b, which arenearest to top portion 150 a. Apertures 150 f may be configured toreceive fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, pins, or the like) orthe like for attaching cap 150 to struts 110, via brackets or the like,to top hub 120, or to laterally extending portions of umbrella pole 130.Aperture 150 f can be threaded or may have attached nuts or the like,which may be threaded. In various alternative implementations, topportion 150 a includes a variety of other devices for attaching cap 150to struts 110, such as studs, threaded studs, or the like which mayextend downward from the top portions for receiving various fasteners.

As briefly described above, the solar panels and their housings arehinge attached to the umbrella. This hinge attachment is currentlydescribed further. In an implementation, the hinge attachment ifprovided by hinge components of cap 150 and housings 145 of the solarpanels. In the implementation, each end portion 150 c of each arm 150 bof cap 150 includes a hinge part, such as an elongated barrel. Theelongated barrels are configured to respectively receive pins 150 d thatcan rotate inside of the elongated barrel and attach to the housings.Specifically, pins 150 d may be longer than the barrels and extend fromthe ends of barrels so that the ends of the pins may be attached to endportions 145 b of housings 145 to provide for the hinge coupling andhence the rotation of the housings and solar panels with respect to thearms of the cap.

In some implementation, cap 150 does not include arms 150 b and thehinge parts of the cap are attached to top portion 150 a. In a furtherspecific implementation, each end portion 145 b of each housing 145includes a front hinge plate 145 d and a back hinge plate 145 e, whichare configured to attach to one another and hinge connected (i.e.,rotationally connect) to the ends of pins 150 d. The hinge coupling offront and back hinge plates 145 d and 145 e to pins 150 d allows thesolar panels and their housings to rotationally raise and lower as theumbrella opens and closes. The curve of each arm 150 b can provide flexfor housings 145 as the housings raise and lower to inhibit the housingfrom experiencing forces that might separate the housing from the armsby allowing some lateral movement of the housings along the struts.

For each housing of each solar panel, one or both of front and backhinge plates 145 d and 145 e may include electrical contacts 145 f and145 g that are configured to mechanically and electrically connect tocorresponding electrical contacts (not shown) of elongated portion 145c. The electrical contacts in the hinge plates and the electricalcontacts in the elongated portions of the housings allow currentgenerated by the photovoltaic cells to flow out from the solar panelsfor charging the rechargeable battery of the umbrella. A pair of wires(not shown) may electrically connect the electrical contacts of thesolar panels to circuitry (described below with respect to FIG. 9A) inbattery housing 147 that charges the rechargeable battery with thecurrent received via the wires. The wires may run down the center ofumbrella pole 130 for delivering the generated current to the circuitand the rechargeable battery, which is configured to be electricallyconnected to and charge one or more portable electronic devices 107.Positioning the wires in the umbrella pole provides the benefit of thewires not being exposed where the wires might be snagged by users, forexample, when the umbrella is opened and closed, when the umbrella isbeing setup or taken down for storage, while the umbrella is in storage,or the like. In alternative implementations, the wires are run along theoutside of the umbrella pole, which provides easy access to the wire,such as for repair or replacement.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, this figure shows an alternativeimplementation of a cap 152 for umbrella 100. The arms 150 b of cap 152have different shapes compared to the arms of cap 150. For example, eacharm of cap 152 includes a first straight portion that extends laterallyfrom a side of the top portion, a second portion that curves downwardfrom the first portion, and a third straight portions that extendsdownward from the second portions. The curve of the second portion canbe a sharp bend or a gradual bend. For example, an angle a of the bendcan be about 90 degrees. In other implementations, the angle can be lesssharp. For example, the bend can have an angle of 91, 92, 93, 94, 95,96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150,or 155 degrees, or any angle in this range or greater. In otherimplementations, the angle may be less than 90 degrees.

Similar to the cap 150, each arm of cap 152 can have an end portion thatincludes a hinge part, such as an elongated barrel. The elongatedbarrels are configured to receive pins that can rotate inside of theelongated barrels and hinge connect the solar panels to the cap.

Referring again to FIG. 3A, for each solar panel 135, each end portion145 b of each housing 145 is removably attached to an elongated portion145 c of the housing. The elongated portions of the housings house thephotovoltaic cells. Providing for the end portions 145 b of the housingsto be removable from the elongated portions 145 c of the housingsprovides for the relatively easy removal and replacement of thephotovoltaic cells should one or more of the photovoltaic cells fail.

Central Portion of Umbrella. FIG. 4A is a simplified perspective view ofa central portion of umbrella 100 in an implementation. The centralportion of the umbrella may include the battery housing 147 that isconfigured to house the charging circuitry and the rechargeable battery.In a specific implementation, battery housing 147 has a tubularpassageway or shaft 147 a that extends from a top of the battery housingthrough to a bottom side of the battery housing. During the assembly ofthe solar umbrella, the shaft of the umbrella (e.g., umbrella pole 130)is placed through tubular passageway 147 a.

In FIG. 4A, battery housing 147 is positioned above or on a shelf ortable 160. But in other implementations, battery housing 147 can beunderneath shelf 160. Further, shelf 160 can be omitted, and the batteryhousing 147 can be attached or fastened to the umbrella shaft, can reston an umbrella stand (in which the umbrella shaft is placed), or can siton an extended table, such as a backyard garden table or a picnic tablewhere the umbrella pole passes through the extended table.

In an implementation, the battery housing has a number of chargingterminal (also referred to as charging ports) 165 that are used tocharge portable electronic devices 107, which can include smartphones,tablet computers, and other devices. In a specific implementation, thecharging terminals are USB type A connectors, but can include othertypes of connectors including other types of USB connectors, Apple30-pin connector, Apple Lightning (™) port, Firewire, DC barrelconnector, and others, and combinations of these. The charging terminalsare accessible via apertures 147 b formed in the battery housing.

For charging, a user connects a portable electronic device to a chargingterminal via a cable, and the portable electronic device will be chargedby solar umbrella 100. While charging, the user can leave the deviceresting on table 160. In other implementation, there may be otherreceptacles to hold the portable electronic device such as a basket orshelf that is attached to the umbrella shaft (e.g., attached above thecharging station). Other mechanisms for holding the portable electronicdevice include hooks, nets, cradles, smartphone holders (e.g.,smartphone holder with adjustable side grips), and many othermechanisms.

In a specific implementation, battery housing 147 has three chargingterminals (e.g., USB type A female ports) However, in otherimplementation, there can be more or fewer charging terminals such as 1,2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 10 or more. Further, there can be a charging inputport 166 (described in further below and shown in FIGS. 4F, 7, and 9)that is used to charge the rechargeable battery via an AC adapterconnected to a wall socket (or other power source). This allowsrecharging of the battery from a power source other than only the solarpanels. The charging input port is a DC barrel connector that accepts 12volts DC. In other implementation, other types of DC power ports can beused.

FIGS. 4B and 4C are simplified perspective views of the central portionof umbrella 100 in an alternative implementation where battery housing147 includes at least one door 147 g positioned in front of one ofcharging terminals 165. FIG. 4B shows door 147 g closed and FIG. 4Cshows the door open. Door 147 g is configured to be opened by a user sothat the charging terminal positioned behind the door is exposed. Withthe charging terminal exposed, a user can connect their portableelectronic device to the charging terminal for charging.

In an implementation, door 147 g is configured to close if a connector(shown in FIG. 4C) is not inserted in the charging terminal 165. Whenthe door is closed, this helps protect the charging terminal from damagesuch as from the elements (e.g., dust, wind, and water) and accidentalspills and splashes from a nearby pool. In some implementations, thebattery housing includes one or more seals, such as rubber seals, thatthe door is configured to contact to further seal out moisture, dust,dirt, sand, wind, and other debris. The seals can be positioned on aninside surface of the battery housing where the seals are positionedadjacent to the sides and edges of the door. In an alternativeimplementation, the seal is attached to the door, such as at the sidesand edges of the door. Seals can be attached to both the battery housingand the door.

Door 147 g may be hinge connected to battery housing 147, may beslide-connected to battery housing 147, or otherwise connected to thebattery housing. In an implementation, door 147 g is a sliding door andincludes a first continuous portion 147 h that covers the chargingterminal if the door is closed, and has an aperture 147 i 1 formedtherein that exposes the charging terminal if the door is slid open.Door 147 g may include a second continuous portion 147 j that is exposedif the door is opened and is positioned inside battery housing 147 ifthe door is closed. Second continuous portion 147 j of door 147 g isconfigured to inhibit dust and moisture from entering battery housing147 if the door is opened. First and second continuous portions 147 hand 147 j of door 147 g are positioned on opposite sides of aperture 147i 1.

Aperture 147 i 1 may have a shape (e.g., square, rectangular, trapezoid,or the like) that substantially matches the shape (e.g., square,rectangular, trapezoid, or other shape) of the charging terminal behindthe door and substantially matches the shape (e.g., square, rectangular,trapezoid, or other shape) of the connector that is configured to attachto the charging terminal. With the shapes matched and with the connectorinserted through the aperture into the charging terminal, the connectormay press against the door to inhibit dust and moisture from passingthrough the aperture and reaching the charging terminal. Thereby, thecharging terminal may be kept from being fouled from debris (e.g., sand)in the environment (e.g., beach) where umbrella 100 is used.

Door 147 g (see FIG. 4C) may have a second aperture 147 i 2 formedtherein that exposes an indicator light (e.g., an LED) that ispositioned behind the door. If door 147 g is closed, the indicator lightmay be hidden from view by the door (see FIG. 4B). The indicator lightmay be mounted a printed circuit board and connected to the circuitrylocated in the battery housing. The circuit controls the indicator lightto indicate whether a connected portable electronic device is chargingor charged. For example, circuit may control the indicator light tolight orange or yellow if the connected portable electronic device ischarging and light green if the portable electronic device is charged.

In some implementations, apertures that expose the indicator lights forindicating whether connected portable electronic devices are charging orcharged are formed in the battery housing adjacent to the chargingterminals as compared with the apertures being formed in doors 147 g.These apertures might be formed in a battery housing that does notinclude doors that cover the charging terminals or might be adjacent tothe doors.

FIGS. 4D and 4E are simplified perspective views of the central portionof umbrella 100 in an alternative implementation where battery housing147 includes at least one door 147 k positioned in front of one ofcharging terminals 165 where the charging terminal has a round shape orin front of input port 166 where the input port has a round shape. Door147 k is substantially similar to door 147 g and is configured to beopened by a user so that a connector may be inserted into the chargingterminal or input port that is behind the door. Door 147 k is shown asopen in FIG. 4E, and is shown as closed FIG. 4D. Door 147 k may beconfigured to be closed if the connector is not inserted in the chargingterminal or the input port.

Door 147 k may have an aperture 147 l formed therein where the aperturehas a shape (e.g., round, ovoid, oblong, or the like) that substantiallymatches the shape (e.g., round, ovoid, oblong, or the like) of thecharging terminal or the input port behind the door and substantiallymatches the shape (e.g., round, ovoid, oblong, or the like) of theconnector that is configured to attach to the charging terminal or theinput port. Door 147 k may be hinge connected to battery housing 147,may be slide connected to the battery housing, or otherwise connected tothe battery housing.

FIG. 4F is a simplified schematic of battery housing 147, door 147 g,and door 147 k. As shown in figured 4F, battery housing 147 may includeone or more spring devices 147 m or the like that are configured toprovide a force on the doors for closing the doors after a connector isremoved. In an implementation, each of spring devices 147 m issubstantially planar in one dimension (along the planes of theirrespective doors) and have curved shapes along the lengths of the springdevices where the curved shapes provides at least a portion of thespring force for pushing the doors closed. It will be understood thatwhile spring devices 147 m are shown in FIG. 4F, the spring devices arepositioned inside battery housing 147 where they are not visible fromoutside of the battery housing. In alternative implementations, springs147 m have other shapes, such as coil shapes. In other alternativeimplementations, the spring devices are pneumatic devices that close thedoors at a relatively slow and aesthetically pleasing rate of closure.

The springs cause their respective doors to substantially automaticallyclose when a connector is removed. Thereby, the springs and the doors ofthe battery housing 147 provide for automated protection for variouscomponents (electronic components, batteries, and the like describedbelow) positioned within the battery housing from exposure toenvironmental elements (e.g., extreme sunlight, heat, rain, humidity,and wind) that can damage and reduce the life of these components.Battery housing not only protects the components positioned in thebattery housing, but also protects users from contacting these internalcomponents (e.g., protects users from touching electrical wires,circuitry, and the battery).

Battery housing 147 provides the additional advantage of providing anaesthetically pleasing appearance by removing from sight these variouscomponents. The battery housing may include a number of cylindricalsections 147 c, 147 d, 147 e, where the cylindrical sections haveincreasing diameters downward along the battery housing. Middle section165 c might be configured to house a battery. Bottom section 165 d mightbe configured to house various electronic components and house chargingterminals 165.

The top cylindrical section 147 c can have a diameter of about 3 inchesto about 5 inches (e.g., 3 inches, 3.25 inches, 3.5 inches, 3.75 inches,4 inches, 4.25 inches, 4.5 inches, 4.75 inches, or 5 inches). The topcylindrical section 147 c can have a height of about 0.25 inches toabout 1 inch (e.g., 0.25 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.75 inches, or 1 inch).

The middle cylindrical section 147 d can have a diameter of about 4inches to about 6 inches (e.g., 4 inches, 4.25 inches, 4.5 inches, 4.75inches, 5 inches, 5.25 inches, 5.5 inches, 5.75 inches, or 6 inches).The middle cylindrical section 147 d can have a height of about 4 inchesto about 6 inches (e.g., 4 inches, 4.25 inches, 4.5 inches, 4.75 inches,5 inches, 5.25 inches, 5.5 inches, 5.75 inches, or 6 inches).

The bottom cylindrical section 147 e can have a diameter of about 5inches to about 7 inches (e.g., 5 inches, 5.25 inches, 5.5 inches, 5.75inches, 6 inches, 6.25 inches, 6.5 inches, 6.75 inches, or 7 inches).The battery housing can have a height of about 1 inch to about 2.5inches (e.g., 1 inch, 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.75 inches, 2 inches,2.25 inches, or 2.5 inches. The battery housing can have a height ofabout 5 inches to about 9 inches (e.g., 5 inches, 5.25 inches, 5.5inches, 5.75 inches, 6 inches, 6.25 inches, 6.5 inches, 6.75 inches, 7inches, 7.25 inches, 7.5 inches, 7.75 inches, 8 inches, 8.25 inches, 8.5inches, 8.75 inches, or 9 inches).

Battery housing 147 may have a top 147 f that seals the battery housingfrom debris, moister, and the like. Top 147 f of battery housing 147 maybe integrally formed with the cylindrical sections of the batteryhousing.

The battery housing is also aesthetically pleasing because the batteryhousing is centered on the battery pole due to the shaft of the batteryhousing passing through the center of the battery housing and therebyproviding for the umbrella pole to be centered in the battery housing.This circularly symmetric configuration of the battery housing and theumbrella pole is a highly compact design the does not take up excessivespace around the umbrella pole.

FIG. 4G is a bottom view of battery housing 147 in an implementationwhere the battery housing includes a bottom 149 (e.g., a removablebottom) that provides access to the interior of the battery housing.Bottom 149 may have an aperture 149 a and a recess 149 b formed thereinthat allows access to a connector 149 c. Specifically, aperture 149 aprovides for passage of connector 149 c from the interior of the batteryhousing to the exterior of the battery housing for connection to a wire149 d that runs down the interior of umbrella pole 130 and carriescurrent generated by solar panels 135 to the circuit and the batterylocated in battery housing 147. Umbrella pole 130 may have an apertureformed therein through which wire 149 d passes from the interior of theumbrella pole to the exterior of the umbrella pole.

Wire 149 d has a connector 149 e (e.g., female connector) that isconfigured to connect to connector 149 c (e.g., male connector).Connectors 149 c and 149 d are slip-friction connectors (e.g., not asolder connection) that can be slipped together by a user withrelatively low force, and can be detached by a user with relatively lowforce. Connectors 149 c and 149 d provide that wire 149 d can berelatively easily connected and disconnected from battery housing 147 tothat the battery housing can be relatively easily attached andunattached from the umbrella pole. With the battery housing relativelyeasily removed from the umbrella pole, the bottom of the battery housingcan be removed by the owner, the seller, or a qualified servicetechnician so that the battery can be replaced as needed. For example,the seller can provide a mail service where battery housings can be sentto the seller or the seller qualified technicians for serving batteryhousing and sending the battery housings back to the owners afterservicing. Providing a mail in service for serving battery housingsinhibits umbrella owners from disposing of used batteries in landfillsites. In other implementation, wire 149 d can be soldered to thebattery housing to inhibit owners from disassembling the battery housingso that the owners use a seller or qualified service technician forservicing the battery housing.

Recess 149 b provides that the portion of wire 149 d that extends fromthe umbrella pole and connector 149 e can sit flush within bottom 149.The flush fit of the wire and its connector inside the recess providesfor the bottom the battery housing to sit flush on shelf 160 or othertable on which the battery housing is placed. The flush placement of thebattery housing on the shelf or other table provides for an aestheticappearance of the battery housing on the shelf or table.

Connector 149 c may be configured to relatively easily connect to, anddisconnect from, connector 149 e of wire 149 d. This relatively easyconnection and disconnection from wire 149 d allows battery housing 147to be relatively easily removed from umbrella pole 130 (e.g., slid upalong the umbrella pole to an end of the umbrella pole) and connected tothe umbrella pole (e.g., slid down from the end of the umbrella poleinto a position above shelf 160). Providing for the battery housing andthe umbrella pole of the umbrella to be modular further provides forrelatively easy to service of the battery housing, such as removing thebattery housing for changing the battery, updating firmware of circuitsin the battery housing, changing out the circuits in the batteryhousing, or other service.

The relatively easy connection and disconnection of wire 149 d alsoprovides that the wire may be untwisted (e.g., by hand from the portionof the wire extending from the hole in the umbrella pole) if the wirebecomes twisted during use or assembly of the umbrella. The wire mightbecome twisted, for example, if a top portion of the umbrella (e.g., theframe, the shade, and top portion of the umbrella pole for a two pieceumbrella pole that separates at a central portion of the umbrella pole)rotates with respect to a bottom portion (e.g., lower portion of theumbrella pole and the battery housing) of the umbrella. Providing forthe wire to untwist inhibits the wire from applying excessive forces onthe connectors, on the battery housing, on the solar panels, and on oneor more printed circuit boards in the battery housing to therebyinhibits damage to these devices.

In some implementations, wire 149 d is a two piece wire having (i) anupper portion that connects to the solar panels and passes through a topportion of the umbrella pole and (ii) a lower portion that passesthrough the bottom portion of the umbrella pole to the battery housing.The two portions of wire 149 d can be attached by electrical connectorswhere the top and bottom portions of the umbrella pole are connected. Atwo piece wire provides for relatively easy untwisting of the wire bydetaching the top and bottom portions of the umbrella pole to allow thewire to untwist. In some implementations, the two portions of the wireare physically attached to interior or exterior portions of the umbrellapole to inhibit the wire from becoming twisted. In otherimplementations, the wire is allowed to twist and may have a length thatallows the wire to shorten when twisted so that the twisted wire doesnot apply excessive damaging forces to the wire's connectors, the solarpanels, the battery housing, and the printed circuit board.

FIG. 4H shows bottom 149 of battery housing 147 attached to umbrellapole 130 in an implementation of the umbrella. Bottom 149 includes afirst trench structure 147 n formed in the bottom that inhibits thebattery housing from rotating about the umbrella pole. Specifically, thetrench may rest on a pin 147 p or similar device that passes through theumbrella pole or is otherwise attached to the umbrella pole where thepin does not rotate about the umbrella pole thereby inhibiting thebattery housing from rotating with respect to the umbrella pole. Inother implementations the battery housing can be clipped to the umbrellapole, screwed to the umbrella pole, or otherwise attached to theumbrella pole to inhibit the battery housing from rotating with respectto the umbrella pole. In some implementations, the battery housingincludes one or more mechanical surface features that surround thebattery that also inhibit the battery from rotating inside the batteryhousing. The battery housing can also include padding positioned betweenthe inside walls of the battery housing and the battery that inhibit thebattery from rotating inside the battery housing. Inhibiting the batteryhousing and the battery from rotating inhibits the electrical connectorsconnected to the printed circuit board, the battery housing, and thebattery from being mechanically stressed from rotations and frombreaking.

FIG. 5A is a simplified perspective view of the central portion ofumbrella 100 with battery housing 147 removed. Battery housing 147houses a printed circuit board 170 (PCB) and a battery riser or abattery shelf 175 on which a battery 185 (e.g., a rechargeable battery)is positioned. PCB 170 includes a circuit 180 (briefly mentioned aboveand described in further detail below). Circuit 180 is configured toreceive electrical energy (voltage and current) generated by solarpanels 135 and provide the electric energy to battery 185 for chargingthe battery. Circuit 180 may include various electronic components(described below) that transform or condition (or both) the current, thevoltage, or both, which are received from solar panels 135. After thecurrent, the voltage, or both are transformed or conditioned, thiselectrical energy is supplied to battery 185 (e.g., a rechargeablebattery) for charging the battery. Transforming and conditioning thevoltage can include reducing or increasing the voltage and current andcan include clamping the current available for charging the battery.Conditioning the voltage or current can include smoothing the voltage orcurrent.

In an implementation, battery 185 is separated from circuit 180 via thebattery shelf (or riser, spacer, or standoff assembly) on which thebattery is configured to sit. One or more electrical traces or wires mayconnect battery 185 to circuit 180. Battery shelf 175 may include one ormore apertures formed therein for routing the traces or wires from thecircuit to the battery. Stacking the battery and circuit using thebattery shelf allows for the battery housing to be relatively compactaround the umbrella pole and allows for a compact aesthetic design ofthe battery housing.

Battery 185 may be cylindrical, round, rod shaped, or the like. As shownin FIG. 5A, battery 185 may be cylindrically shaped and have a shaft 185a located in a central portion of the battery where the shaft isconfigured to receive umbrella pole 130. The cylindrical shape ofbattery 185 allows the battery to occupy a substantially optimal amountof space in battery housing 147 and accordingly allows the battery toprovide relatively high charge storage. For example, battery 185 may beconfigured to store about 20,000 milliamp-hours or more of charge. In aspecific implementation, battery 185 is a 22,000 milliamp-hour battery.Other battery sizes are possible, such as 5200 milliamp hours, 8600milliamp hours, 10,000 milliamp hours, 15,000 milliamp hours, 25,000milliamp hours, 30,000 milliamp hours, 50,000 milliamp hours, or 100,000milliamp hours, or other values, or values smaller or less than thesevalues. Battery 185 may use a variety of battery chemistries, such aslithium ion, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, or the like.

In some implementation, battery 185 includes a plurality of batterycells. A number of sets of two battery cells may be arranged in serieselectrically, and these sets may then be arranged in parallelelectrically. Each battery cell may output 3.7 volts for example, and aset of two battery cells in series electrically may output 7.4 volts. Inparallel electrically, a number of these sets of two battery cells inseries electrically, can provide 7.4 volts at relatively high current,such as for charging three tablet computers (e.g., Apple iPads (™))simultaneously. The battery calls that form battery 185 may be arrangedin a substantially cylindrical arrangement to form shaft 185 a in thecenter of the battery cells. In an implementation, two battery cells arevertically stacked, and numerous ones of these two battery cells stacksare adjacently arranged to form a cylinder. The diameter of battery 185may be about 5 centimeters to about 10 centimeters (e.g., 5.0centimeters, 5.5 centimeters, 6.0 centimeters, 6.5 centimeters, 7.0centimeters, 7.5 centimeters, 8.0 centimeters, 8.5 centimeters, 9.0centimeters, 9.5 centimeters, 10.0 centimeters, or other diameter). Thelength of battery 185 may be about 10 centimeters to about 16centimeters (e.g., 10.0 centimeters, 10.5 centimeters, 11.0 centimeters,11.5 centimeters, 12.0 centimeters, 12.5 centimeters, 13.0 centimeters,13.5 centimeters, 14.0 centimeters, 14.5 centimeters, 15.0 centimeters,15.5 centimeters, 16.0 centimeters, or other length). The batteryhousing, in an implementation, includes a set of pads that holds thebattery substantially securely in the battery housing so that thebattery cannot rotate or translate within the battery housing, forexample, when the umbrella is moved or rotated. The padding providesthat the battery cannot twist any wires that connect the battery to thecircuit, and therefore, the wires will be inhibited from twisting andbreaking when the umbrella is moved.

In one alternative implementation, one or more batteries 185 may bealternatively positioned in or on umbrella 100. For example, one or morebatteries 185 may be positioned in umbrella pole 130, which may behallow or have a compartment configured for storing the batteries. FIG.5B is a simplified schematic of a central portion of umbrella 100 andumbrella pole 130 where one or more batteries 185 are positioned in theumbrella pole. In addition to one or more batteries 185 being positionedin umbrella pole 130, PCB 170, circuit 180, one or more chargingterminals 165, and other circuit elements descried below may bepositioned in the battery pole. Battery pole 130 may have a number ofapertures formed therein where charging terminals 165 may be positionedfor connecting to one or more portable electronic device 107 for beingpowered or charging. In some implementations where additional electricalpower may be used, one or more batteries may be positioned in batteryhousing 145, in umbrella pole 130, or at other locations on theumbrella.

FIG. 6 provides a further enlarged view of shelf 160, PCB 170, andbattery shelf 175, and FIG. 7 provides a simplified top view of PCB 170.Central apertures are formed in shelf 160, PCB 170, and battery shelf175 and are respectively labeled with reference numbers 160 a, 170 a,and 175 a. Each central aperture 160 a, 170 a, and 175 a is configuredto receive umbrella pole 130 so that shelf 160, circuit board 170, andbattery shelf 175 may each be substantially centered on the umbrellapole providing a relatively compact, symmetric, and aesthetic design.Each of the central apertures 160 a, 170 a, and 175 a may have diametersof about 1.75 inches to about 3.25 inches (e.g., 2 inches) for receivingumbrella pole 130, which may have a diameter of about 1.5 inches toabout 3.5 inches (e.g., 1.5 inches, 2.0 inches, 2.5 inches, 3.0 inches,or 3.5 inches.). It is noted that while each of battery housing 147,shelf 160, circuit board 170, and battery shelf 175 are shown in FIGS.5-7 as being generally round from a top view, one or more of the batteryhousing, the shelf, the circuit board, and the battery shelf may havealternative shapes such as square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal,or the like.

In an implementation, the shapes of the PCB and the battery shelfsubstantially match a cross-section shape of the battery housing toprovide substantially optimal space on the PCB for circuit andsubstantially optimal space for the battery. For example, when thebattery housing has a cross-section shape that is round or circular,then the PCB and the battery shelf have corresponding round or circularshape.

Moreover, while battery housing 147, shelf 160, circuit board 170, andbattery shelf 175 are described and shown as including central aperturesfor receiving umbrella pole 130 therethrough, in alternativeimplementations one or more of the battery housing, the shelf, thecircuit board, and the battery shelf may not have the central aperturesformed therein and might be configured to mount on a side of umbrellapole 130 or mount to portions of the umbrella frame structure.

In a specific implementation, battery shelf 175 has a smaller diameterthan PCB 170. For example, battery shelf 175 may have a diameter ofabout 5 inches to about 6 inches (e.g., 5.75 inches) and PCB 170 mayhave a diameter of about 6 inches to about 6.5 inches (e.g., 6.25inches). Battery shelf 175 may be mounted on the PCB via a number ofposts 172 (see FIG. 6) or the like, which positions the battery shelfabove the PCB with an air gap between the battery shelf and the PCB.Screws or other fasteners can be used to connect the PCB to the posts ofthe battery shelf. In an implementation, screws that pass through thebottom of the battery housing also pass through the PCB and screw intothe battery shelf to connect the PCB to the battery shelf. With thecentral aperture formed in PCB 170, PCB may have an area of about 640square centimeters to about 670 square centimeters (e.g., 640 squarecentimeters, 645 square centimeters, 650 square centimeters, 655 squarecentimeters, 660 square centimeters, 665 square centimeters, 670 squarecentimeters, or other area).

Shelf 160 may be mechanically attached to umbrella pole 130 via abracket 162 (see FIG. 4A) or the like that clamps to the umbrella poleand attaches to the shelf. In some implementations, shelf 160 isdetachable from umbrella pole 130, or the height of shelf 160 may beadjusted upward or downward via bracket 162. For example, the height ofshelf 160 may be adjusted to the height of the top of an outdoor tablethat umbrella 100 is being used with. Battery housing 170 or PCB 170 maybe attached to shelf 160 via a one or more fasteners, clamps, or thelike.

While shelf 160 is shown as being relatively continuous, the shelf mayhave a number of apertures formed therein (e.g., having a grate pattern)where the apertures allow air to circulate under a portable electronicdevice that is sitting on the shelf and charging. The circulating airallows the portable electronic device to dissipate heat into thecirculating air while the portable electronic charges. The aperturesalso allow debris, such as sand, to pass through the shelf and notaccumulate, which inhibits the debris from accumulating on portableelectronic devices on the shelf. In some implementation, shelf 160 is ametal shelf and is coated with plastic, rubber, is painted, or the like.In other implementations, shelf 160 is a plastic type material, aresin-coated fiber material (e.g., fiberglass type material), or thelike.

With battery housing 147, shelf 160, charging terminals 165, PCB 170,battery shelf 175, battery 185, and the like positioned at a centralportion of umbrella pole 130, this positioning provides a convenientheight for use by a user for charging and power devices while a usersits or stands near umbrella 100. For example, FIG. 8A shows animplementation of umbrella 100 where the height of battery housing 147,shelf 160, charging terminals 165, PCB 170, battery shelf 175, battery185 are positioned along umbrella pole 130 at about the height of atable top of an outdoor table 148 (e.g., a patio table, a picnic table,or the like).

Not only does the central location along battery pole 130 provide forconvenient use for powering and charging device, the central locationalso provide for easy maintenance of these elements by maintenancetechnicians or the like. In some implementations, such as where batteryhousing 147 is positioned substantially at the height of outdoor table148, umbrella 100 might not include shelf 160. In an implementationwhere umbrella 100 does not include shelf 160, portable electronicdevices 107 may be placed on the tabletop of outdoor table 148. In otherimplementations, battery housing 147, umbrella pole 130, or both includeone or more holders into which a portable electronic device 107 may beplaced and held during charging by umbrella 100. Each holder may beconfigured to hold a portable electronic device 107 loosely so that theportable electronic device may be relatively easily placed into theholder and relatively easily removed from the holder. In someimplementations, the holders include nets, such as netted bags, that areconfigured to hold portable electronic devices 107 during charging. Inan implementation, umbrella 100 includes one holder that is an extendednet bag that partially encircles or fully encircles battery housing 147,umbrella pole 130, or both.

In other implementations, the holder is an extended basket type devicethat has sides and a bottom and opens upward. The holder may hold anumber of portable electronic devices 107 relatively loosely forcharging. The holder's sides, bottom, or both may be perforated so thatportable electronic devices in the holder may be seen through the sidesand the bottom and so that debris (e.g., sand, dust, or the like) mayfall through the perforations and not accumulate in the holder. Theholder may fully or partially encircle battery housing 147 or umbrellapole 130 and may be attached thereto. In the implementations wherebattery housing 147, umbrella pole 130, or both include one or moreholders, such as those described above, for holding portable electronicdevices 107, the umbrella might not include shelf 160.

Retrofit Kit. FIG. 8B shows the components of a conversion or retrofitkit for retrofitting an existing outdoor umbrella to operatesubstantially as solar charging umbrella 100. The retrofit kit mayinclude one or more solar panels 135, cap 150, a number the hinge endportions 145 b of housings 145 of the solar panels, a battery housing147, a set of wires 800, and an assembly guide for assembling the kit.Optionally, a shelf 165 and a bracket 162 can also be included in thekit. The retrofit kit may be supplied with the hinge end portions 145 bof housing 145 attached to housing 145 or to cap 150 as shown in FIG.8B.

While the retrofit kit shown in FIG. 8B includes eight solar panels 135,the retrofit kit may include more or fewer solar panels, or solar panelsof other configurations, such as solar panel 135′. The retrofit kit mayinclude two wires 800 where a first wire may be configured to connect toan electrical connector in the cap, and drop down to an end of a topsection of an umbrella pole 130, and a second wire may be configured toconnect to the first wire and to battery housing 147. The wires areconfigured to deliver electricity generated by solar panels 135 tobattery housing 147 for charging rechargeable battery 185 (included inthe battery housing in the retrofit kit along with circuit 180). Whilethe retrofit kit is shown as including two wires, the retrofit kit mayinclude more or fewer wires.

The elements of the retrofit kit may be relatively easily attached to anexisting outdoor umbrella. For example, a shade retainer 155 (e.g., afinial) of an existing umbrella may be removed (e.g., unscrewed) fromthe existing outdoor umbrella and cap 150 may be placed on the existingoutdoor umbrella and the shade retainer may be secured to the existingoutdoor umbrella thereby securing the cap to the existing outdoorumbrella. Solar panels 135 may thereafter be snapped onto the copy bysnapping the hinge end portions 145 b of housings 145 to the arms of thecap. In some retrofit kits the solar panels are provided with the solarpanels attached to the cap.

A first one of wires 800 in the kit may be attached to an electricalconnector of cap 150 to which the solar panels attach. This wire and theelectrical connector of the cap can include connectors that arerelatively easy to attach and detach. After the wire is electricallyconnected to the solar panels, for example, via an electrical connectorof the cap or other electrical connector that connects to the solarpanels, the wire may be run through a top section of the umbrella poleof the existing outdoor umbrella. A second one of wires 800 may be runthrough a bottom section of the umbrella pole. These two wires may beattached via connectors where the top section and the bottom section ofthe umbrella pole meet for being attached.

Thereafter, shelf 165, bracket 162, and battery housing 147 may be slidonto to the bottom section of the umbrella pole. Bracket 162 may be alsosecured to the bottom section of the umbrella pole and shelf 160 may beattached to the bracket. Battery housing 147 may be lowered onto shelf160 and attached to the second wire. For some existing outdoorumbrellas, a hole may need to be drilled or otherwise created in thebottom section of the umbrella pole for feeding the second wire out ofthe bottom section and coupling it to battery housing 147. The batteryhousing and wire may include connectors that are configured to easilycoupling the wire to the battery housing. Thereafter, the existingoutdoor umbrella may be opened and operated for charging portableelectronic devices 107.

The retrofit kit may include a variety of optional devices, such as avariety of shaft adapters that are configured to be fitted into theshaft of the battery housing 147 for accommodating umbrella poles havinga variety of diameters. Further, a wiring harness for cap 150 may beprovided as an element that needs to be attached to the cap and solarpanels 135. Further, battery housing 147 may be provided assembled withcircuit 180 and a rechargeable battery, or may be provided such that thebattery housing requires assembly.

Charging Circuit. FIG. 9A is a simplified block diagram of circuit 180,which is mounted at least in part on PCB 170. Circuit 180 implements theelectronic functionality and electronic modes of the umbrella as brieflydescribed above and described in further detail below. Circuit 180 mayinclude the charging terminals 165, a DC charging port 166, the chargeindicators 167, a solar-panel and battery-charging controller 200(battery-charging controller), a DC-to-DC converter 205, ananalog-to-digital converter (ADC) 215, a battery gauge 220, a processoror other control circuit 230, an authentication circuit 235, a memory237, a battery level indicator 240, an indicator controller 245 for thebattery level indicator, an output converter 255, a power inverter 246,a digital communication bus 247, and a power distribution bus 248. Insome implementations, battery housing 147 (e.g., the bottom 149 of thebattery housing) and circuit 180 include a power switch 147 q (see FIG.4H) that can power down circuit 180 (i.e., power down the circuitelements included in circuit 180). Circuit 180 may include all or aportion of the foregoing listed circuit elements in any combination.

In some implementations, digital communication bus 247 communicativelyconnects one or more of charging terminals 165, DC charging port 166,charge indicators 167, battery-charging controller 200, DC-to-DCconverter 205, analog-to-digital (ADC) converter 215, battery gauge 220,control circuit 230, authentication circuit 235, memory 237, batterylevel indicator 240, indicator controller 245, power inverter 246,output converter 255, and power switch 147 q. The digital communicationbus may be configured to operate according to one of a variety of busprotocol and route digital signal between one or more of the elementsconnected to this bus. Power distribution bus 248 may be configured toreceive power from the output converter 255 and distribute the receivepower to elements of circuit 180 that require a power source, such ascontrol circuit 230, authentication circuit 235, memory 237, batterylevel indicator 240, indicator controller 245, or other circuit elementsthat require power.

In some implementations, the battery level indicator 240 includes or ispositioned on a second PCB 241 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) that is orientedtransversely with respect to PCB 170 inside battery housing 147.Indicator controller 245 is also mounted on second PCB 241 in someimplementations. The second PCB can be attached to an inside wall of thebattery housing by a bracket 242 into which the second PCB can slide.Bracket 242 can be integrally formed with battery housing 147. PCBs 170and 241 are connected by a wiring harness, such as a ribbon cable, insome implementations.

In an implementation, solar panels 135 are electrically connected tobattery-charging controller 200 and configured to supply generatedvoltage and current to the battery-charging controller. Battery-chargingcontroller 200 may also be electrically connected to battery 185 and mayconvert the generated current, generated voltage, or both to levels usedby battery 185 for charging. For example, the battery-chargingcontroller may include a DC-to-DC converter that may convert thecharging voltage to about 4.2 volts to about 4.4 volts for charging alithium ion battery and may provide a suitable current for charging alithium ion battery. For example, the DC-to-DC converter may include acurrent clamp circuit for clamping the current provided to battery 185to a suitable charging level.

Battery-charging controller 200 in an implementation is configured tooperate as an electrical isolation circuit that prevents solar panels135 from directly supplying electrical energy to charging terminals 165.In some implementation, circuit 180 may include additional oralternative circuits that are configured provide electrical isolationbetween solar panels 135 and charging terminals 165.

Battery-charging controller 200 may further monitor the charge ofbattery 185 and manage the conditions for initiating charging, toppingoff charging, and stopping charging. Battery-charging controller 200 maybe implemented using an integrated circuit manufactured, for example, byTexas Instruments, Linear Technology Corporation, Maxim IntegratedProducts, Incorporated, or National Semiconductor Corporation. Forexample, battery-charging controller 200 may be the TI BQ24650 circuitof Texas Instruments, which is referred to by the manufacturer as a“High Efficiency Synchronous Switch-Mode Charger Controller-SolarBattery Charger.” The data sheet and product information for the TIBQ24650 product and other products in its product family areincorporated by reference.

Battery 185 may alternatively be charged via DC charging port 166, whichmay include a charging connector 166 a, which may be a barrel connector.A DC voltage applied to DC charging port 166 may be routed throughbattery-charging controller 200 for charging the battery.Battery-charging controller may convert the voltage, the current, orboth that applied through the charging port as necessary for chargingthe battery. For example, if 12 volts is applied to DC charging port166, the DC-to-DC converter of battery-charging controller 200 mayconvert the applied 12 volts to about 4.2 volts to about 4.4 volts forcharging lithium ion battery technology. In some alternativeimplementations, DC charging port 166 may bypass battery-chargingcontroller 200 for charging battery 185.

DC charging port 166 may also operate as a test port for testing battery185 for determining whether the battery is diminishing in chargingcapacity. DC charging port 166 may include test circuitry for testingbattery 185 or may be connected to an external device configured to testthe battery. In some implementations, Battery-charging controller 200includes test circuitry for testing battery 185 and is configured tooperate with the DC charging port for testing the battery.

Battery-charging controller 200 is configured to detect whether a DCvoltage (e.g., 12 volts) is being supplied to DC charging port 166 andprovide the battery with the power supplied to the DC charging port.Further, if the battery-charging controller 200 detects a DC voltageapplied to the DC charging port, the battery-charging controller canstop supplying the battery with power generated by the solar panels. Ifthe DC voltage is disconnected from the DC charging port, thebattery-charging controller can resume providing power generated by thesolar panels to the battery. The battery-charging controller can includeauto-detect circuitry for this switching. The battery-chargingcontroller and the switching circuitry in the battery-chargingcontroller can operate as an isolation circuit that provides that onlyone of the solar panels and the DC charging port can supply chargingpower to the battery.

Metallic Shield. FIG. 9B shown in interior view of battery housing 147where the battery housing 147 includes a metallic shield 300 that ispositioned on a lower interior wall of the battery housing. The metallicshield can be any conductive material, such as copper, aluminum,platinum, gold, or silver, that protects a connected portable electronicdevice 107 from electrical or radio frequency (RF) interference noisethat is generated by circuit 180, battery level indicator 240, battery185, and any other electronic elements located in battery housing 147.

In an implementation, metallic shield 300 is a metallic coating that iscoated onto the lower interior wall of the battery housing. The metallicshield can be coated onto the lower interior wall by spraying, dusting,an electrostatic process, or other process. In an implementation, themetallic coating is conductive paint that is sprayed onto the lowerinterior wall. The metallic coating can also be sprayed on a power thatis later cured, such as by backing or via a chemical process. In anotherimplementation, the metallic shield is a thin sheet of metal, such ascopper foil, that is mechanically or adhesively (e.g., a metal sheetwith a sticky backing) attached to the lower interior wall.

In another implementation, a metallic shield 305 is positioned on anupper interior wall of battery housing 147. Metallic shield 305 issubstantially similar to metallic shield 300 and can be similarlyapplied. In some implementations, additional metallic shields arepositioned on additional interior surfaces of the battery housing.

In other implementations, battery housing 147 includes one or moremetallic shields that are positioned above, below, or around a side ofPCB 170. For example, a metallic shield can be attached to a top, abottom, or both of battery riser 175 where this metallic shield is abovePCB 170. As another example, a metallic shield can be attached to a top,a bottom, or both of the battery housing's bottom 149 where thismetallic shield is below the PCB. Metallic shield 300 that is positionedat a side the PCB is described immediately above.

In another implementation, battery housing 147 is coated with a surfacetreatment, such as metallic paint that can be applied to the interior,the exterior, or both of the battery housing. In another implementation,the material from which the battery housing is formed is conductive andprovides RF shielding. Specifically, the battery housing can be formedof a metal impregnated plastic, nylon, or other similar material. Inanother implementation, the battery housing is formed, at least in part,of metal (e.g., sheet metal) that provides RF shielding. These metallicshields can be relatively thin pieces of metal, such as copper foil.

The metallic shields provide that portable electronic devices 147 (suchportable phones and tablet computers) that are connected to the chargingterminals of umbrella 100 will have better reception and transmission(e.g., less drop outs, voice conversations will be clearer, and contentstreaming will have fewer interruptions). Touch screens on the portableelectronic devices will also operate more reliably, such as by havingfewer false touch interactions and having improved accuracy.

Charging. As described briefly above, battery 185 may be configured tostore 22,000 milliamp-hours of electrical charge and in a fully chargedstate may fully charge a number of portable electronic devices from astate of complete discharge to a state of full charge. For example,battery 185 may be configured to store sufficient power for chargingthree tablet computers, such as iPad (™) tablet computers of Apple ofCupertino Calif. and tablet computers by other manufacturers such asGoogle, Samsung, or Amazon, at the same time. Any trademarks listed inthis patent application are the property of their respective owners.

Tablet computers charge using about 10 watts of power. When threetablets are charged at the same time, the tablet computers will drawabout 30 watts of power. Therefore, the solar charging umbrella stationcan supply at least 30 watts of power, and is designed to supply more,such as 60 watts, in order to ensure the robustness of the battery andcircuitry.

Via DC-to-DC converter 205 and circuit 180, battery 185 may provide therequisite voltages, currents, and power (sometimes referred to as acharging rate) for a variety of battery types of a variety of typesportable electronic devices connected to charging terminals 165.Specifically, DC-to-DC converter 205 may convert the output voltage ofbattery 185 (e.g., 7.4 volts) to a voltage level used by a portableelectronic device for charging (e.g., about 3.3 volts or 5 volts for aportable phone (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, or LTE) or tablet computer).

DC-to-DC converter may also be configurable to supply different currentsto various portable electronic devices according to the currentsrequired by the portable electronic devices as determined byauthentication circuit 235. Specifically, DC-to-DC converter 205 in animplementation is configured to operate as a current clamping circuitthat supplies current up to a given level required by a portableelectronic device for charging. The DC-to-DC converter clamps thissupplied current to the given level and does not supply a higher levelof current.

For example, in an implementation, the DC-to-DC converter is configuredto supply up to 5 volts and current up to 0.5 amps (2.5 watts of power,e.g., a first charging rate) for some types of portable devices (such asportable PDAs and portable phones), or supply 5.0 volts and current upto 1.0 amp (5 watts of power, e.g., a second charging rate) for othertypes portable phones (e.g., some types of Apple iPhones (™) or sometypes tablet computers, or supply 5.0 volts and current up to 2.1 amps(10 watts of power, e.g., a third charging rate) for other types ofportable devices (e.g., tablet computers such as an Apple iPads (™)).The foregoing charge voltages, charge currents, and charge power areexemplary and the DC-to-DC converter can supply other charge voltages,charge currents, and charge powers based on the type of portableelectronic device detected, such as an Apple iPad (™) third generationdevice, fourth generation device, fifth generation device, or latergeneration device. In some implementations, where authentication circuit235 cannot determine the type of device connected to one of the chargingterminals, DC-to-DC converter may be set to a set of default chargingparameters for charging a portable electronic device, such as 5 volts,0.5 amps (2.5 watts of power) or other defaults.

In an implementation, the circuit includes a current meter, a voltagemeter, or both electrically positioned between the solar panels and therechargeable battery. In an implementation, the current meter, thevoltage meter, or both are integrally formed with battery-chargingcontroller 200. Battery level indicator 240 or other indicator can beconfigured to operate in conjunction with the battery-chargingcontroller 200, the control circuit 230, or both of these circuits aswell as other circuits for displaying the charge current or the chargevoltage generated by the solar cells.

Charging Terminals. One or more of charging terminals 165 may beuniversal serial bus (USB) terminals. The USB terminals may beconfigured as type A, type B, mini-A, mini-B, micro-A, micro-B, or thelike, or any combination of the foregoing. Also, other types ofconnectors such as FireWire (i.e., an IEEE 1394 interface, i.LINK, orLynx), eSATA, or proprietary connectors (e.g., Apple 30-pin connector,Apple 19-pin connector, Apple 8-pin connector (e.g., Apple's Lightning(™) connector) may be used instead of, or in addition to, USB terminals.Portable electronic devices may be connected to the charging terminalsvia cables, such as USB cables where the connectors of the chargingterminals may have the same or different terminal types at opposite endsof the cables. Charging terminals 165 may be configured to operateaccording to a variety of USB protocol, such as USB 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 orother versions so that a variety of portable electronic devices 107 maybe charged, such as the devices listed above as well as MP3 players,handheld GPS devices, portable game consoles, battery rechargers, laptopcomputers, and the like.

In an implementation, charging terminals 165 are substantiallycircularly arranged on PCB 170 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and arepositioned within battery housing 147. The substantially circulararrangement of charging terminals 165 provides that at least onecharging terminal may be easily reached by a user located at any angularposition with respect to umbrella 100, so that the user does not have tomove or rotate the umbrella to reach and access a charging terminal forcharging the user's portable electronic device 107. In a loungingenvironment in which umbrella 100 may be used, this substantiallycircular arrangement provides for increased ease of use of the umbrellafor charging portable devices. Also, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, PCB 170and battery housing 147 position charging terminals 165 a distance(e.g., 2 to 7 inches) away from umbrella pole 130 and towards whereusers may be seated or the like for easy and convenient access.

One or more of charging terminals 165 may be DC connectors that providea relatively low DC output voltage, such as 12 volts. The DC connectormay be a barrel type connector, a cigarette lighter type receptacle, amini-jack, a micro-jack, or other connector type. The DC connector maysupply DC voltage for powering or charging a variety of devices, such aslights, fans, music players, computers (e.g., laptop computers),beverage heating devices, beverage cooling device, and small motorizedtools. The 12-volt outlet may be used in an implementation of thepresent invention. The foregoing described implementations of chargingare provided for example and the described implementations are notexhaustive of the types of charging terminals that that may be includedin circuit 180.

Turning now to power inverter 246, the power inverter changes directcurrent (DC) to alternating current (AC), such as 110 volts AC. Powerinverter 246 may be electrically connected to one or more of battery 185(as shown in FIG. 9A), DC-to-DC converter 205, and solar panels 135 andmay invert the DC voltages supplied by one or more of these elements toAC voltage. An AC voltage put out by power inverter 246 may be used forpowering or charging a number of devices, such as electronic devices,tools, and appliances. Many common appliances run on AC power. Forimplementations of the umbrella that include the power inverter, thepower inverter can be positioned on PCB 170 or can be configured as astand alone circuit in battery housing 145. Further, while FIG. 9A showsthat umbrella 100 includes one power inverter, various implementationsof the umbrella may include one or more power inverters. The powerinverter can be configured to deliver AC power through an AC outlet(e.g., NEMA 1 15 or NEMA 5-15 sockets, or other socket types) that maybe in housing 145. Some umbrella implementations do not include a powerinverter.

Some implementations of umbrella 100 include a number of solar panels135 that is sufficient to provide an amount of current that can be usedby the umbrella to charge a variety of portable electronic deviceswithout accumulating charge in battery 185. These implementations mightnot include a battery and electrical energy generated by the solarpanels might be directed to connected portable electronic devices forcharging. The electrical energy generated by solar panels 135 might berouted through DC-to-DC converter 205 for conversion to voltages andcurrents useful for charging the batteries of connected portableelectronic devices.

It is noted that while umbrella 100 is described as being configured tocharge the batteries of portable electronic devices, umbrella 100 may beconfigured to charge a variety of charge store devices that are oftenincluded in portable electronic devices, such as capacitors, supercapacitors, or other charge store devices. While various implementationsdescribed include solar panels for charging battery 185, alternativeimplementations of umbrella 100 may include alternative or additionalelements for generating electrical energy, such as wind turbines,thermoelectric generators, bioenergy sources, or the like.

Control Circuit. Turning now to control circuit 230 and authenticationcircuit 235, the control circuit may be a microcontroller, amicroprocessor, control logic (e.g., programmable logic or a fieldprogrammable gate array), or the like, or any combination of thesecircuits. In a specific implementation, control circuit 230 is theATMega32 microcontroller from Atmel Corp.

Among other functions, control circuit 230 controls communication withportable electronic devices 107 that are connected to charging terminals165. Control circuit 230 may operate in conjunction with a USB stack(not shown) that can be included in the control circuit. The USB stackfacilitates communication between the control circuit and connectedportable electronic devices by operating according to a communicationprotocol, such as one or more of the standard USB communicationprotocols. Other implementations of the umbrella operate according toother communication protocols, such as one or more Apple protocol, oneor more proprietary protocols, or other protocols.

For example, when a portable electronic device is initially connected toa charging terminal 165, control circuit 230 may operate according toone of the standard USB protocols or other protocols for communicatingwith the portable electronic device to collect device type information,which specifies the device type of the portable electronic device. Thecollected device type information may include information thatidentifies the portable electronic device, for example, as a phone, atablet computer, a PDA, or the like. The device type information mayinclude information that identifies the manufacturer of the portableelectronic device. The authentication circuit can use this informationto determine a device type (e.g., Apple iPod, Apple iPhone, Apple iPad,and identify the version (e.g., first generation, second generation,third generation, fourth generation, fifth generation, or futuregenerations) of the portable device and

FIG. 9C is a flow diagram of a communication method in an implementationof the invention. The flow diagram represents one example implementationand steps may be added to the flow diagram, removed from the flowdiagram, or combined without deviating from the scope of the invention.

In a step 900, when a portable electronic device 107 is connected to oneof charging terminals 165, circuit 180 (e.g., control circuit 230)detects the connection. Thereafter, circuit 180 implements a handshakingprotocol by sending a first communication (e.g., a self-identificationsignal) through the charging terminal to the portable electronic device,see step 905. If the portable electronic device recognizes the signal,the portable electronic device accepts the signal. In someimplementations, the portable electronic device authenticates thecircuitry of the umbrella based on the signal.

Thereafter, the portable electronic device sends a second communicationback to the circuit (e.g., control circuit 230) through the chargingterminal (see step 910). The second communication is sent in response tothe first communication. The second communication received by thecircuit includes device type information for the portable electronicdevice.

The circuit (e.g., control circuit 230) sends one or more portions(e.g., the device information) of the second communication to theauthentication circuit (see step 915). The authentication circuit thenuses the device type information to determine a device type of theportable electronic device (see step 920). For example, theauthentication circuit uses the device type information to determinethat the portable electronic device is a first device type (e.g., AppleiPod (™)), a second device type (e.g., Apple iPhone (™)), a third devicetype (e.g., Apple iPad (™)), or other device type. Circuit 180 (e.g.,the control circuit, the authentication circuit, or both) then use thedetermined device type to determine (e.g., lookup in memory 237) a setof charging parameters (e.g., one or more of a charging voltage,charging current, a current rate, or other parameters) for the portableelectronic device (see step 925).

Thereafter, the circuit (e.g., battery control circuit 200, DC-to-DCconverter 205, or both) is configured to supply the charging voltage andcharging current (based on the determined charging parameters) to thecharging terminal for charging the portable electronic device (see step930). Battery control circuit 200, DC-to-DC converter 205, or both canbe configured by one or both of control circuit 230 and authenticationcircuit 235 for supplying the charging voltage and charging current.

For example, if battery 185 is a lithium ion battery that supplies 7.4volts, DC-to-DC converter 205 can lower the voltage supplied through thecharging terminal to about 5.0 volts for charging the portableelectronic device connected to the umbrella. One or both of the batterycontrol circuit and the DC-to-DC converter is configured to clamp thecurrent supplied from the battery to the charging terminal. The clampedcurrent is the specified current or less.

In an implementation, if authentication circuit 235 determines that theportable electronic device is a first type of device (e.g., PDA (e.g.,Apple iPod (™)), portable phone (e.g., Apple iPhone (™)), or otherdevice), then circuit 180 (e.g., the DC-to-DC converter) is configuredto supply a first level of power (e.g., 2.5 watts) to the portableelectronic device for charging the portable electronic device where thefirst level of power is associated with the first type of device. Forexample, according to the voltage, the current, or the power required bya first type of portable electronic device, the DC-to-DC converter canbe configured to supply up to 5 volts and current up to 0.5 amps (i.e.,up to 2.5 watts of power).

Alternatively, if authentication circuit 235 determines that theportable electronic device is a second type of device (e.g., portablephone (e.g., Apple iPhone (™)), tablet computer (e.g., Apple iPad (™)),or other device), then circuit 180 (e.g., the DC-to-DC converter) isconfigured to supply a second level of power (5 watts) to the portableelectronic device for charging the portable electronic device. Thesecond level of power can be greater than the first power level. Forexample, for a second type of portable electronic device, the DC-to-DCconverter can be configured to supply up to 5 volts and current up to1.0 amps (i.e., up to 5 watts of power).

Alternatively, if the authentication circuit 235 determines that theportable electronic device is a third type of device (e.g., a tabletcomputer (e.g., Apple iPad (™)), then circuit 180 (e.g., the DC-to-DCconverter) is configured to supply a third level of power (e.g., 10watts) to the portable electronic device for charging the portableelectronic device. The third level of power can be greater than thefirst and second levels of power. For example, for a third type ofportable electronic device, the DC-to-DC converter can be configured tosupply up to 5.0 volts and current up to 2.0 amps (e.g., up to 10 wattsof power).

In other implementations, other device types (e.g., Apple iPads (™) ofthe third generation, the fourth generation, the fifth generation, orhigher generations, Samsung Galaxy tablet computers, Amazon tabletcomputer, Google tablet computers, or other types of devices) may bedetected by the authentication circuit, and based on the type ofdetected portable device, circuit 180 may be appropriately configured tosupply power to these types of devices.

In some implementations, where authentication circuit 235 cannotdetermine the type of portable electronic device connected to one of thecharging terminals, DC-to-DC converter may be set to a set of defaultcharging parameters for charging a portable electronic device, such as 5volts, 0.5 amps (2.5 watts of power) or other defaults. In someimplementations, DC-to-DC converter is configurable by control circuit230, authentication circuit 235, or a combination of these circuits forsupplying appropriate voltages, currents, and power simultaneously toone or more portable electronic devices connected to one or morecorresponding charging terminals.

The table below shows a number of example device types and theirassociated charging voltages, charging currents, and charging powers(i.e., charging parameters) that can be associated with the devicetypes. The device type numbers (e.g., first type, second type, thirdtype, and the like) shown in the table are shown for purposes ofexample. The device type numbers shown in the table can switched forspecific number schemes that may be used by specific manufacturers(e.g., number schemes used by Apple, Samsung, Motorola, or others). Theinformation in the table can be stored in memory 237 in a database forlookup and retrieval by control circuit 230 or other circuit elements ofcircuit 180.

TABLE Charge Voltage Charge Current Charge Power Type of Device (volts)(amps) (watts) First 5 0.40 2.0 Second 5 0.42 2.1 Third 5 0.44 2.2Fourth 5 0.46 2.3 Fifth 5 0.48 2.4 Sixth 5 0.50 2.5 Seventh 5 1.00 5.0Eighth 5 1.02 5.1 Ninth 5 1.04 5.2 Tenth 5 1.06 5.3 Eleventh 5 1.08 5.4Twelfth 5 1.10 5.5 Thirteenth 5 2.00 10.0 Fourteenth 5 2.02 10.1Fifteenth 5 2.04 10.2 Sixteenth 5 2.06 10.3 Seventeenth 5 2.08 10.4Eighteenth 5 2.10 10.5

In some implementations, the DC-to-DC converter is configured to operateas a current clamp circuit, a power clamp circuit, or both. That is, theDC-to-DC converter is configured to provide current, power, or both upto a given limit and not supply current, power, or both beyond the givenlimit. For example, if portable electronic device connected to acharging terminal is determined to require 2.5 watts of power forcharging, then the DC-to-DC converter will supply up to 2.5 watts ofpower and not supply more power.

In an implementation, the above described authentication process orhandshake process uses certificates, which get exchanged between thecircuitry and the portable electronic device when the device isconnected to one of the charging terminals. The circuitry of theumbrella and the connected portable electronic device open upcommunication channels once these certificates have been exchanged andauthenticated. After the communication channels are opened, the portableelectronic device supplies the device type information to the circuit asdescribed above with respect to FIG. 9A, and thereafter theauthentication circuit determines the device type and determines thecharging parameters for the device. Charging can proceed as describedabove.

In one specific implementation, upon connecting the portable electronicdevice to one of the charging terminals, if portable electronic deviceauthenticates the umbrella, via circuit 180, the portable electronicdevice will display its normal screen and no warning messages regardingthe umbrella will appear on the screen of the device. In anotherspecific implementation, if the portable electronic device does notauthenticate the umbrella, via circuit 180, the umbrella will not bepresented as a valid accessory and the screen of the portable electronicdevice displays a warning message. This warning message may be referredto as a “nag message,” informing the user that the umbrella is not avalid accessory or has not been approved by the manufacturer of thephone. In an implementation, the umbrella communicates with the portableelectronic device to prevent a nag message from being displayed ifauthentication is not successful, and thereafter the umbrella may supplythe default charge voltage and default charge current to the connectedportable electronic device.

Battery Gauge. Turning now to battery gauge 220 and A-D converter 215,the A-D converter is electrically connected to battery 185 and isconfigured to determine a voltage level of the battery in at least animplementation of the umbrella. More specifically, the A-D converter isconfigured to sense the voltage across the battery's terminals, andthereafter convert the sensed analog voltage to a digital voltage value.The A-D converter then supplies the digital voltage value to controlcircuit 230, which then determines the amount of charge stored inbattery 185 based on the digital voltage value. Control circuit 230 mayexecute battery gauge computer code (e.g., battery gauge 220 in animplementation) to determine the amount of charge stored in battery 185.

The battery gauge computer code includes one or more mathematicalformulas that are used by the control circuit to determine the chargedstored in the battery based on the battery's output voltage. The one ormore mathematical formulas may be based on known information about thebattery, such as the charge capacity of the battery, the batterychemistry, the drop in the output voltage of the battery versus the dropin charge stored in the battery, or other known information about thebattery.

In some implementations, the battery gauge computer code can be storedin memory 237 and can be changed, updated, or modified if the battery185 changed, if battery models are developed, or for other reasons. Asdescribed briefly above, memory 237 can be FLASH, EEPROM, EPROM, PROM,or other memory type.

In one alternative implementation, battery gauge 220 includes a batterygauge circuit that is configured to receive the digital value for thevoltage and determine the charge stored in battery 185. The batterygauge circuit can be an independent circuit element that is included incircuit 180 and is located in PCB 170. The battery gauge circuit mayoperate independently of control circuit 230 or in conjunction with thecontrol circuit to determine the charge stored in battery 185. In someimplementations, control circuit 230 includes the battery gauge circuit.

After the battery gauge determines the charge stored in the battery, oneor both of the battery gauge and the control circuit may operate to turnon (i.e., light) none, or one or more of the indicators (e.g., lights,such as LEDs) included in battery level indicator 240 to indicate theamount of stored charge in the battery.

As briefly described briefly above and in further detail below, batterylevel indicator 240 may include a number of indicators 250 forindicating the charge status of battery 185. For example, battery levelindicator 240 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or other number ofindicators, such as LEDs or the like, to indicate a stored charge levelof battery 185. Typically, the more indicators turned on indicates agreater amount of stored charge in the battery, and less indicatorsturned on indicates a lesser amount of stored charge. When no indicatorsturn on, the battery will be discharged or have a relatively low charge(e.g., less than 5 percent charge, less then 4 percent charge, less then3 percent charge, less that 2 percent charge, less then 1 percentcharge, or other low charge percentage).

When battery 185 is fully charged, all indicators should be turned on.In other implementations, in a reverse indicator scheme, the indicatorscan be turned off to indicate a charged battery and turned on toindicate a discharged battery. If battery level indicator 240 indicatesthat battery 185 has a low level of charge, a user might turn the top ofthe umbrella to face the sun to increase the electrical energy generatedby solar panels 135 so that the battery can be charged at an increatecharge rate. One benefit, however, of various implementations ofumbrella 100 described is that solar panels 135 may be disposed on anumber of faces of shade 105 such that the umbrella does need to berotated to provide increased charging current for battery 185. As such,if a low charge of battery 185 is indicated by the battery levelindicator, then the ambient light may be relatively low (e.g., dawn,dusk, or night). In such circumstances, the battery can then be chargedvia DC charging port 166.

FIGS. 4I and 4J show views of battery housing 147 and battery levelindicator 240 in an implementation. The battery housing has one or moreopenings formed in the battery housing that expose indicators 250 (e.g.,lights, such as LEDs or OLED, or LCD indicators) of battery levelindicator 240. In an implementation, battery level indicator 240includes the indicator controller 245 (e.g., button or switch), which isconfigured to be activated by a user for turning on indicators 250.

In another implementation, when activated, indicator controller 245 isconfigured to initiate the determination of the output voltage of thebattery by analog-to-digital (A-D) converter 215 and control circuit230. When activated, the indicator controller is further configured toinitiate the determination of the charge level of the battery by batterygauge 220, and thereafter control battery level indicator 240 toindicate the charge level.

While FIGS. 4I and 4J show that the individual indicators 250 of batterylevel indicator 240 are vertically oriented, the indicators can beoriented in other orientations. For example, indicators 250 mayhorizontally arranged, arranged in an arc, arranged in a circle, or haveother arrangements.

Battery gauge 220 may also be configured to provide information for anumber of operating hours that battery 185 has operated, a number forthe charge percentage of the battery, the maintenance status of thebattery (e.g., whether the battery needs replacing, the battery is new,or the like), or any combination of these and other parameters. Theseparameters may be indicated to a user via battery level indicator 240 onindicators 250 or other display types, such as a display (e.g., a liquidcrystal display, which may display text and numbers). This informationmay be important to a user of the present invention in order to gaugethe types and quantity of devices to charge at a given time. In otherimplementations, more than one gauge may be used with umbrella 100.

In an implementation, circuit 180 includes a voltage conversion circuit255 to step down the generated voltage of the solar panels 135, theoutput voltage of battery 185, or both for powering the various circuitelements of circuit 180. For example, voltage conversion circuit 255 maystep down the 12 volts, for example, generated by solar panels 135 to3.3 volts, 5.0 volts, or the other voltage used by the circuit elements.The voltage conversion circuit may step down the 7.4 volts, for example,output by battery 185 to 3.3 volts, 5.0 volts, or the other voltage usedby the circuit elements.

Various components of circuit 180 may be in sleep modes when not in useto preserve the charge of battery 185. For example, A-D converter 215,battery gauge 200, control circuit 230, authentication circuit 235, andmemory 237 may each have sleep modes that are used by these circuitswhen the circuits are not in use. User activation of indicatorcontroller 245, detection of a recently connected portable electronicdevice, or the like may wake (e.g., enter a full power mode) thesleeping circuits. A sleep mode as referred can include a number ofpower down states including states that are sometimes referred to as lowpower modes and deep sleep modes.

Network Communication Device. In an implementation, a solar-chargingbattery device includes a wireless communication interface such as awide area network (WAN) connection interface (e.g., 4G module, 3Gmodule, or the like), for connecting a mobile device in proximity to thedevice to a wide area network, such as the mobile Internet (e.g.,provided by Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, or T-Mobile).

As an example, the circuitry in FIG. 9A can include a 4G module, thuscreating a mobile hotspot to the 4G LTE mobile Internet. The solarpanels charge the rechargeable battery, which powers the 4G circuitry. Asmartphone, tablet, laptop, or other client device can connectwirelessly (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) or by wire (e.g., USB cable) tothe 4G circuitry. Then the smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other devicecan connect to the Internet.

Typically, portable mobile hotpots use significant power and drainbatteries quickly. In a solar-powered implementation, since power comesfrom the sun, as long as the sun is shining, the mobile hotspot willprovide continuous continuity. And at night, the battery will power themobile hotspot. With sun, the mobile hotspot can be available for theentire day.

FIG. 9D shows a block diagram of a specific implementation of asolar-powered mobile hotspot. The circuitry is similar to that shown inFIG. 9A, but further includes the wide area network circuitry. Thecomponents can be contained in a battery housing 700, such batteryhousing 147. The circuitry includes a network communication device 705.The network communication device is configured to provide network accessfor one or more electronic devices 107. That is, the networkcommunication device is configured to operate as a network portal thatprovides network access, such as Internet access, intranet access, orboth, for the electronic devices.

In an implementation, network communication device 705 (e.g., includinga 4G module) can be on the same printed circuit board (PCB) as the solarcharging and rechargeable battery circuitry. In an implementation,network communication device 705 (e.g., including a 4G module) can be ona different printed circuit board from the solar charging andrechargeable battery circuitry. For example, solar charging andrechargeable battery circuitry can be a first printed circuit boardwhile network communication device 705 is on a second printed circuitboard. The second printed circuit board (may be referred to as a“daughterboard”) and can plug into (or otherwise connect) to the firstprinted circuit board (may be referred to as “motherboard”) through aconnector.

Network communication provided by the network communication device mayinclude packetized network communication or other types of communicationthat are specified by an communication protocol, such as an internetprotocol (IP), such as the transmission control protocol IP (TCP/IP).

The network communication device may be configured for wiredcommunication with one or more portable electronic devices, wirelesscommunication with one or more portable communication devices, or both.The network communication device may also be configured for wiredcommunication with an external network (e.g., the Internet, an internet,or both), wireless communication with an external network or both forproviding network access to one or more portable electronic devices.

In an implementation, network communication device 705 includes a mobileWAN (wide area network) module 720, a memory 725, an access point 730, awireless Bluetooth module 735, a USB module 745 (e.g., USB stackfirmware and USB circuitry), a router switch 750, a DHCP (dynamic hostconfiguration protocol) module 765, a SIM card 770, and a communicationbus 775. The network communication device can also include a powerdistribution bus (not shown) that distributes power to the circuitelements. The network communication device can include one or more ofthe circuit elements in any combination.

In the implementation, one or more of the circuit elements arepositioned on PCB 170 of circuit 180. In another implementation, one ormore of the circuit elements are positioned on a network communicationPCB that is electrically connected (e.g., ribbon cable, edge connector,or other connector types) to PCB 170.

Memory 725 can be FLASH, EEPROM, EPROM, PROM, or other memory type. Thememory can store computer code, such as firmware, that can be used byone or more of the circuit elements for providing network access, forexample via a cell tower, for one or more portable electronic devicesthat are communicatively linked to the network communication device. Thefirmware can also be used by one or more of the circuits (e.g., accesspoint 730) for providing password protection for allowing authorizedportable electronic devices to login to the access point, and fordisallowing unauthorized portable electronic devices to login to theaccess point.

The firmware can be resident in a memory of the network communicationdevice. The firmware can updated by a wired connection to the device, ora wireless connection, such as a firmware update delivered via themobile WAN (e.g., provided by a carrier such as Verizon, AT&T, Sprint,or T-Mobile. The firmware can be code that presents users' clientdevices (e.g., smartphone or laptop) who connect to a mobile hotspotdevice a graphical user interface, for signing into and connected to themobile WAN. For example, the user can enter their carrier accountinformation in the graphical user interface on the phone to identifythemselves. If they do not have an account with the carrier, thegraphical user interface can provide options for paying for one-timeuser, such as entering credit card information.

Alternatively, instead of firmware (or software) stored locally at thehotspot device, the login or sign-in screen may be presented viasoftware that executes on the remote server. Or, the login or sign-incode may be a combination of local firmware or software and remotesoftware on a server.

Mobile WAN 720 can be configured for cellular communication with acellular network via a variety of communication protocols such, as oneor more 2G protocols, one or more 3G protocols, one or more 4Gprotocols, or other communication protocols in use, such as 5G, 6G, 7G,or higher generation protocols. In an implementation, mobile WAN 720 isa 4G module. The 4G module can communicate via one or more of: IEEE802.16m standards (e.g., WiMAX protocol or Mobile WiMAX protocol), oneor more long term evolution (LTE) protocols, one or more LTE Advancedprotocols, one or more IEEE 802.16e standards (e.g., theWirelessMAN-Advanced protocol), the Flash-OFDM protocol, one or moreIEEE 802.20 standards (e.g., the iBurst protocol, or the MBWA protocol),the HIPERMAN protocol, the EDGE Evolution protocol, the UMTS protocol,the EV-DO protocol, or other standards or protocols.

The mobile WAN can use a transmission technology such as CDMA, TDMA,GSM, or EDGE. TDMA stands for time division multiple access. CDMA standsfor code division multiple access. GSM stands for Global System forMobile Communications. Most GSM device use a removable SubscriberIdentity Module or SIM cards, more commonly known as a smart card,containing a user's account information, phone book, and securityparameters.

The mobile WAN includes an antenna 720 a that provides for communicationwith a cellular network that includes a number of cell towers, awireless router, or other network access devices. Antenna 720 a can bean on-chip antenna (e.g., mounted on the printed circuit board) or anexternal antenna (e.g., connected through an antenna connected to theprinted circuit board). In an implementation, antenna 720 a is anexternal antenna that is positioned in the battery housing, such aspositioned on an interior surface of the battery housing. In anotherimplementation, antenna 720 a is positioned on one or more portions ofthe umbrella, such as along (e.g., inside) umbrella pole 130, along(e.g., inside) one or more struts 110, ribs 115, or a combination ofthese positions. The antenna can also be positioned along shade 105,such as positioned on a lower surface of the shade. Typically, the moreelevated the antenna, the greater the range of the broadcast, sincethere are fewer obstacles that interfere with the signal.

The mobile WAN and antenna can operate at a variety of frequencies basedon the protocol that the mobile WAN is configured to operate under. Inan implementation where the mobile WAN and antenna are 4G devices, themobile WAN and antenna can operate at frequencies ranging from about 500megahertz to about 5 gigahertz, such as 500 megahertz, 800 megahertz, 1gigahertz, 1.1 gigahertz, 1.3 gigahertz, 1.5 gigahertz, 1.7 gigahertz,1.9 gigahertz, 2 gigahertz, 2.3 gigahertz, 2.5 gigahertz, 2.7 gigahertz,2.9 gigahertz, 3.0 gigahertz, 3.3 gigahertz, 3.5 gigahertz, 3.7gigahertz, 3.9 gigahertz, or higher frequencies.

In an implementation, the mobile WAN operates as a portal that providesnetwork access for one or more portable electronic devices via one ormore of the access point 730, the wireless Bluetooth module 735, and theUSB module 745. In an implementation, one or more portable electronicdevices 107 can wirelessly connect to the access point, one or moreportable electronic devices can wirelessly connect to the wirelessBluetooth module, and one or more portable electronic devices canconnect via a wired cable through the USB module.

In an implementation, the access point includes a Wi-Fi router or arouter that operates according to one or more related standards. Theaccess point can provide network access (e.g., via the mobile WAN) forone or more portable electronic devices wirelessly connected to theaccess point. For example, a client device connects through the accesspoint to the router or switch. The DHCP server assigns an IP address tothe client device. This IP address may be assigned via network addresstranslation (NAT). Through the router or switch, multiple client devicescan be connected to the wide area network at the same time. The routeror switch routes the network traffic from the wide area network to theappropriate client.

The access point can be single band (e.g., 2.4 gigahertz Wi-Fi or 5gigahertz Wi-Fi) or multiple bands (e.g., both 2.4 and 5 gigahertzWi-Fi). The access point can include one or more antenna, for exampleantennas 730 a and 730 b, that allow the access point to communicate ata variety of frequencies. For example, the access point and one of theantennas can be configured to operate at frequencies specified by IEEE802.11a or 802.11ac (e.g., 5 gigahertz frequency band). The access pointand the other of the antenna can be configured to operate at frequenciesspecified by IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n (e.g., 2.4 gigahertzband) or operate at frequencies that are specified by other standards.

The access point can be one or more antennas tuned for the specificfrequency bands being used. In other implementations, for multiple-inputand multiple-output (MIMO) operation, there can be two or more antennasfor each frequency band.

The access point can be configured for secured access via one or morepasswords, or may be configured for unsecured access where a password isnot required for accessing the access point. A guest at a location(e.g., a hotel, a resort, a restaurant, or other location) may be ableto collect a password for the access point at the location (e.g., from ahotel check in desk, a host or waiter at a restaurant, or from otherpeople of devices).

In an implementation, the wireless Bluetooth module can provide networkaccess (e.g., via the mobile WAN) for one or more portable electronicdevices wirelessly connected to the wireless Bluetooth module. Thewireless Bluetooth module can be a standard power Bluetooth module or alow power Bluetooth module. The wireless Bluetooth module includes anantenna 735 that provides for wireless communication with a wirelesslyconnected portable electronic device. The wireless Bluetooth module andantenna can operate at a variety of frequencies, such as the 2.4gigahertz band.

In an implementation, the USB module includes, or is configured to use,one or more of the USB charging ports 165 of the battery housing. TheUSB module can provide network access (e.g., via the mobile WAN) for oneor more portable electronic devices connected to the USB charging ports.At the same time while providing network connectivity, circuit 180 ofthe battery housing can provide electrical power to the one or moreportable electronic device for charging the one or more portableelectronic devices. That is, the network communication device and thebattery charging circuits of circuit can provide substantiallysimultaneous network access and battery charging power for one or moreconnected electronic devices. For example, there are four USB ports toallow four client devices to connect to the wide area network (andpotentially charge) at the same time.

The DHCP module is electronically connected via bus 775 to each of theaccess point, the wireless Bluetooth module, the USB module, and themobile WAN. The DHCP module provides Internet protocol (IP) parameters,such as IP addresses, to the electronic devices that connect to one ofthe access point, the wireless Bluetooth module, and the USB module. TheDHCP protocol operates based on the client-server model, and is commonto modern networks that range in size from home networks to large campusnetworks and regional Internet service provider networks.

Network switch is connected to bus 775 and filters and forwards packetsfrom the mobile WAN to the access point, the wireless Bluetooth module,the USB module. The access point, the wireless Bluetooth module, the USBmodule thereafter forward the packets appropriately to one or moreportable electronic devices that are communicatively connected to thesecommunication devices. The network switch also receives packets from theaccess point, the wireless Bluetooth module, and the USB module andforward the packets to the mobile WAN for further transmission, such asto a cell tower.

One or more antennas of the mobile WAN, the access point, and thewireless Bluetooth module can be on-chip antennas, can be positionedwithin the battery housing, can be positioned along umbrella pole 130,can be positioned along the stays, the ribs, the shade, or a combinationof one or more of these elements.

In an implementation, the battery housing includes the networkcommunication device, and the battery housing includes one or more solarpanels that can charge the rechargeable battery as described above. Thesolar panels can be positioned on the top of the battery housing, alongthe sides of the battery housing, or both. Solar panels on top of thebattery housing can be substantially planar, and solar panels on theside of the battery housing can be planar or curved to substantiallymatch an exterior shape of the battery housing. The battery housing canhave a variety of shapes, such as a cuboid, a cube, or other shapes.

In an implementation, the battery housing may be detachable from theumbrella pole or may be a stand-alone device that recharges therechargeable battery via the solar panels attached to the batteryhousing.

In an implementation, the battery housing and the components containedwithin it are a stand-alone device that can supply battery power to theUSB ports, and can be recharged via DC charging port 166. The hole forthe umbrella pole can blocked with a cover. A handle can be attached tothe unit. Such a stand-alone device can be used as a portable power packfor use at, for example, a hotel or other conference facility for use byusers to charge their battery-operated device. The portable power packcan be placed at conference room tables or other locations convenientfor users. As discussed above, in a specific implementation, this powerpack can be used by four people simultaneously to charge four device(even higher drain devices such as tablet computers). The batteryhousing can include a locking mechanism (such as a Kensington securityslot) to secure the power pack to a table. After use, the conferenceroom staff can easily move the power packs to a storage location, wherethey can be charged via the charging jack, or wirelessly (as describedelsewhere in this application).

FIG. 9E is a diagram of an umbrella 780 in an implementation. Umbrella780 is similar to umbrella 100 but differs in that umbrella 780 includesa network communication device 705 having an external housing 742 thatis connected to the battery housing via a wired connection. The networkcommunication device connects to one of the battery housing's chargingterminals (e.g., a USB charging terminal), and can operate according toa USB protocol. The battery housing provides for charging a connectedportable electronic device 107 and the network communication deviceprovides a network portal for the portable electronic device while thedevice's rechargeable battery is being charged by the battery housing.

In an implementation, the network communication device receives electricpower from the rechargeable battery through circuit 180. In anotherimplementation, the network communication device receives electricalpower directly from the solar panels. Electrical power received directlyfrom the solar panels bypasses circuit 180 but may be routed through PCB170.

FIG. 9F is a flow diagram of a method for charging a portable electronicdevice and substantially simultaneously providing network access to theportable electronic device in an implementation. The flow diagramrepresents on example embodiment. Steps may be added, combined, andremoved from the flow diagram without deviating from the prevue of theimplementation.

At an initial step 950, a portable electronic device 107 is connected toone of the battery housing's charging terminals. Circuit 180 of thebattery housing performs a handshake operation with the portableelectronic device (see step 955). Thereafter, the battery housing maybegin providing electric power to the portable electronic device forcharging the battery of the portable electronic device (see step 960),and the network communication device links to the portable electronicdevice for providing network access to the device (see step 965).

In some embodiments, the network communication device also performs ahandshake procedure with the portable electronic device prior toproviding network access to the device. In some implementations, thewireless network device can provide network access to the portableelectronic device via the access point or the wireless Bluetooth modulewhile the potable electronic device is connected to the USB chargingterminals.

In one embodiment, the handshake procedure includes the transmission ofan access code (e.g., password) from the portable electronic device tothe network communication device. Acceptance of the access code allowsthe portable electronic device to link to the network communicationdevice. Subsequent the portable electronic device linking to thewireless communication device, the wireless communication deviceoperates as a network portal for the portable electronic device so thatthe portable electronic device can access the Internet, an intranet, orboth via the wireless communication device.

In a further embodiment, a second portable electronic device isconnected to another one of the charging terminals of the batteryhousing. Steps 950-965 are repeated for the second portable electronicdevice. That is, the battery housing and the network communicationdevice can provide electrical power for charging the rechargeablebattery of the second portable electronic device and provide networkaccess for the second device. Additional portable electronic device canbe connected to additional charging terminals of the battery housing forbeing charged and receiving network access.

In one embodiment, subsequent to a portable electronic device beingcharged by the battery housing, the portable electronic device can bedisconnected from the battery housing by a user while the networkcommunication device continues to provide network access to the portableelectronic device. In one embodiment, if the USB module of the networkcommunication device provides network access to the portable electronicdevice while the portable electronic device is connected to the batteryhousing, after disconnection, the network communication devicewirelessly connects to the portable electronic device via one of theaccess point or the wireless Bluetooth module. The wireless connectionto the access point or the wireless Bluetooth module may occur in thebackground of the portable electronic device where the user is not madeaware of the new wireless connection. That is, the network communicationdevice can initiate wireless connection to the portable electronicdevice subsequent to the disconnection. Accordingly, the transition fromreceiving wired network access to receiving wireless network access fromthe network communication device can occur without notification from thenetwork communication device and the portable electronic device.

In another implementation, if the access point or the wireless Bluetoothmodule is providing wireless network access for the portable electronicdevice, and the portable electronic device is disconnected from thebattery housing, the portable electronic device and the networkcommunication device remain wirelessly connected. That is, after beingdisconnected, the portable electronic device will continue to receivenetwork access via the network communication device.

In another implementation, the battery housing includes a display devicethat is configured to display information for the network connectionstatus for one or more connected portable electronic devices. Thenetwork communication device can include a processor that collectedinformation from the circuits and control the display device. Thenetwork communication device and display may also be configured todisplay information that identifies the particular circuit module (e.g.,access point (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, or USB) that currently provides networkaccess to a given portable electronic device. The display may beconfigured to display other information, such as the strength of thesignal that the network communication device is receiving from a celltower, a Wi-Fi device, or other network source. The display device mayalso display an identifier for a particular network provider (e.g., acellular telephone company) currently providing network access to thenetwork communication device. The display device may also be configuredto provide information for the charging state for the rechargeablebatteries of portable electronic device connected to the batteryhousing.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are a simplified side view and a top view of anumbrella 1000 in an alternative implementation of the present invention.Umbrella 1000 is substantially similar to umbrella 100 described above,but differs from umbrella 100 in that solar panels 1135 are foldable andmay be attached to shade 105, struts 110, or both. Solar panels 1135 maybe foldable solar panels and may be folded with shade 105 as the shadeis closed, and may be unfolded with the shade as the shade is opened. Inan implementation, solar panels 1135 are positioned on shade 105 andbetween struts 105 where sides of the solar panels may or may not beattached to the struts. In another alternative implementation, solarpanels 1135 are positioned on shade 105 and straddle struts 105. Forexample, solar panels 1135 may be on shade 105 and may be laterallycentered on struts 105.

Umbrella 1000 may include one or more solar panels 1135, which may bepositioned on each panel (i.e., each section of the shade between a pairof struts 110) of shade, on every other panel, or the like. In otherimplementations, the quantity and arrangement of the solar panels may bevaried in accordance for various other types of outdoor umbrellas orother types of sunshades and furniture having sunshades.

Solar panels 1135 may include an electronic integrated photovoltaicsystem (EIPV) which may be made from copper-indium-gallium-diselenide(CIGS) thin-film semiconductors. The EIPV may be manufactured onrelatively thin plastic substrates which provide the flexibility forintegrating solar panel 1135 onto the material forming shade 105 and forfolding with the shade as the shade is opened and closed. In onespecific implementation, each of the soar panels 1135 has a width ofabout 9.38 inches, and a length of about 27 inches. In a foldedarrangement, a width of each of the folded solar panels 135 is about 5inches or less, and may have a length of about 9.5 inches, and a heightis about 1.25 inches.

A weight of each of solar panels 1135 may be about 12 ounces to about 16ounces (e.g., about 14.8 ounces). The dimensions of the solar panels canvary, however, according to the type and size of the shade of theumbrella. Furthermore, the shape (e.g., rectangular, square, circular,triangular, or trapezoidal) of solar panels 1125 may vary according tothe size of umbrella. Solar panels 1135 may be custom made to fitvarious shapes and sizes of shades 105. Specific implementations ofsolar panels 135 and 1135 may be manufactured by Ascent SolarTechnologies, Inc. and known as the WaveSol Mobile, WaveSol MobileFringe, and WaveSol Light, all of which are trademarks of Ascent SolarTechnologies, Inc.

Solar panels 1135 may be attached to shade 105 by a variety of devicesand techniques, such as fasteners, eyelets and hooks, buttons and buttonholes, grommets, zip ties (also known as cable ties and tie wraps),Velcro® of Velcro Industries B.V., sewing, adhesives, material infusion(application of heat to bond the raw materials), or the like. Theseattachment devices allow for the removal and replacement of solar panel1135 if a solar panel needs to be replaced. While both solar panels 135and 1135 are shown in the various figures as being arranged from a topof shade 105 and extending outward along the shade, the solar panels canbe arranged in a variety of configurations, such as side-by-side, inrings or arcs about circumferences of the shade, or a variety of otherconfigurations.

FIG. 10C is a simplified image of umbrella 1000 in an alternativeimplementation where charging terminals 165 includes wires 165 a thatextend the charging terminals (e.g., end terminals 165 b) from umbrellapole 130 or battery housing 147 (not shown in FIG. 10c ). Wires 165 amay be retractable into battery pole or battery housing 147. Alternativeimplementations of umbrella 100 may similarly include charging terminals165 with wires 165 a that extend the charging terminals from umbrellapole 130 or battery housing 147.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C show a simplified side view, top view, and backview, respectively, of specific implementation of the inventionincorporated in a chaise lounge 1100. Chase lounge 1100 includes anumbrella 1105 that includes one or more solar panels 135 or 1135attached to a panel 1110 of a foldable shade 105′. Foldable shade 105′may be connected to a frame structure 1115 that connects to a seatingportion of chase lounge 1100. Foldable shade 105′ and frame structure1115 may be adjustable by folding the foldable shade and the framestructure backward or forward with respect to the length of the chaselounge by a user to protect against direct sunlight. Frame structure1115 may include a hinge 1115 a that allows the frame structure to foldincluding being foldable for storage.

In the specific implementation shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C, two solarpanels are attached to an upper panel of foldable shade 105′. In otherimplementations, fewer or more solar panels are integrated into foldableshade 105′. Chase lounge 1100 may include a storage unit 1140 configuredto house battery 185, PCB 170, circuit 180, charging terminals 165, andthe like described above. Storage unit 1140 may be box shaped and beincorporated with chase lounge 1100 along a side of the chase lounge asshown in FIGS. 11A-11C or may be incorporated into other elements of thechase lounge such as the frame 1145 and the arm rests 1150 of the chaselounge to provide an esthetic and functional design. In otherimplementations, storage unit 1140 may be incorporated into the framestructure 1115, or a combination of the elements of the chase lounge.For example, the storage unit 1140 may be located on a back side offoldable shade 105′. Charging terminals 165 and charge indicator 167 maybe located on a variety of locations on chase lounge 1100. For example,one or more charging terminal 165 and charging terminal 167 may belocated on frame structure 1115, storage 1140, frame 1145, arm rest1150, or the like. In some implementation, the umbrella 1105 and fromstructure 1115 are separable from the sitting portion of chase lounge1100 and are moveable from one location to another. For example,umbrella 105′ and foldable structure 1115 may be configured for freestanding use and might include at least one wheel allowing forrelatively easy moving.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are side views of a detachable sunshade 1200, and FIG.12C is a back view of the detachable sunshade in another implementation.Sunshade 1200 includes a frame structure 1205 that in-turn includes asunshade support 1210, a spine 1215, and a connector 1220. Sunshadesupport 1210 and spine 1215 may be connected by a first hinge section1225, and spine 1215 and connector 1220 may be connected be a secondhinge section 1230. Detachable sunshade 1200 may further include a shade105″ that is connected to sunshade support 1210 and is adjustable byrotating sunshade support 1210 with respect to spine 1215 via the firsthinge section 1225. Shade 105″ may be further adjustable by rotatingspine 1215 with respect to connector 1220. Accordingly, first hingesection 1225 may provide for relatively fine rotational adjustments ofdetachable sunshade 1210, and second hinge second 1225 may provide forrelatively coarse rotational adjustments of detachable sunshade 1210. Inalternative implementations, one or both of the first and the secondhinge sections 1225 and 1230 may be fixed joints that do not allow forrotation of sunshade support 1210. FIG. 12A shows shade 105″ rotatedinto a planar view and FIG. 12B shows the shade rotate about ninetydegrees from the planar view of FIG. 12A. In an additionalimplementation, frame structure 1205 may include a rotational joint 1232that is positioned at a central location on spine 1215 (see FIG. 12C)where the rotational joint provides for the detachable sunshade to befolded substantially in half for storage or the like.

Connector 1220 may be configured to be removably attached to an outdoortable, a bar, chair, or the like. Accordingly, connector 1220 providesfor relatively easy movement of detachable sunshade 1200 from onelocation to anther location.

In an implementation, a length of the shade 105″ is about 20 inches toabout 30 includes long and is about 10 inches to about 20 includes wide.Shade 105″ includes a solar panel 135 or 1135 that may be integratedonto the shade. Frame structure may include the various electronicelements describe above, such as battery 185, PCB 170, circuit 180,charging terminals 165, and the like. One or more charging terminals 165and charge indicator 167 may be located on a variety of locations ondetachable sunshade 1200, such as on shade 105″, sunshade support 1210,spine 1215, and connector 1220, or any combination of these. Further,while shade 105′ is shown in FIG. 10A as including one solar panel,shade 105″ may include more solar panels, such as are needed for variouscurrent demands for charging battery 185 or for substantially directconnection to charging terminals 165.

In a specific implementation, one or more self adjusting solar panelsmay be attached to outdoor furniture. The solar panels may be configuredto self adjust to changing sunlight conditions by using variousmechanisms to face the solar panels more favorably towards a lightsource (e.g., to track the moving sun). For example, some solar panels135 contain converters that allow the solar panels to turn automaticallyto collect a substantially optimum amount of sunlight for generating asubstantially optimum amount of electrical energy. Other solar panelsmay include servo motors or the like to adjust the angle of the solarpanels toward a light source to substantially optimize light exposureand light capture.

In another specific implementation, the present invention includes areset feature which allows the user to reset the charging function ofthe solar panels. Portable solar panels, such as solar panels 135 and1135 may need to be unplugged and re-plugged from time to time in orderto reset charging. This can be cumbersome and dangerous to the user. Theimproved reset feature may be incorporated into the present invention inthe form of a reset switch, button, or other type of user control. Thereset option would disengage the electrical current and then reengage itto reset the charging.

In further implementations, the solar panels or solar cells areintegrated into the shades and are not necessarily separate panelsincorporated onto the outdoor furniture. In an implementation, solarcells are printed onto a surface of the shade material (e.g., printed ontextile, material, fabric, cloth, photovoltaic fabric, or similarmaterials). Printing solar panels can be on materials made by weaving,knitting, crocheting, knotting, or pressing fibers together. Thephotovoltaic fabric can be used for, for example, sails for boats, orcabanas for boats and ships.

For example, the solar panels can be printed on materials that are usedfor shades 105, 105′, 105″, or the like. Using printed solar panels, thefabrics of the shades can continue to bend, fold, crease, stretch, orotherwise used as they normally would.

In an implementation, the fabric portion of the shades is constructed,in part or in whole, from solar thread. This solar thread incorporatesphotovoltaic material (e.g., a coating) to generate solar energy. Forexample, the threads may include a core that is surrounded by one ormore layers (e.g., electrode layer, power generating layer, conductivelayer, and layers for hole transport). Light shines on the photovoltaicmaterial of the thread, which generates electricity, and the threadcarries this electrically energy to an electrode (e.g., for chargingbatteries or an electronic device).

Using solar thread, solar panels can be woven into a variety ofmaterials used in the shades, or shades can be made entirely from solarthread. The material incorporating the solar thread can be used togenerate solar energy. The solar cells need not be limited to specificarrangements on the fabric (e.g., between adjacent ribs of an umbrella).They may be incorporated into the fabric as desired.

In another implementation, photovoltaic material is infused into thefabric material of the shades. For example, individual fibers are coatedwith photovoltaic material (i.e., semiconducting material) to convertcollected sunlight into electrical energy. In another implementation,the photovoltaic material is infused into a distinct fibrous layer ofthe fabric of the shades. Further, in other implementations, a system ofbuilding integrated photovoltaics is used, in which solar cells areembedded, infused, or otherwise incorporated into building materials.For example, plastic-based solar panels can be used to construct aplastic awning for a building.

In other implementations, solar panels are incorporated into shadesusing various other techniques. For example, solar panels may bedeposited on surfaces of materials using a spray-on technique or otherapplication techniques. Furthermore, solar-powered textiles can becreated using processes such as weaving, knitting, braiding, andfelting.

In other implementations, outdoor furniture collects ambient thermalenergy or generates thermal energy from collected light, such assunlight. Heat from solar energy can be used to generate thermal energythat is used to produce various types of power including electrical,mechanical, and chemical power. Sunlight from solar radiation may becollected, concentrated, and converted into heat energy. This heatenergy may be used to generate alternative forms of energy. For example,heat may be collected in solar concentrators (e.g., parabolic mirrors,lenses, and reflectors, flat mirrors and receivers, or dish systems),and used to drive a generator to produce electrical energy.

In another implementation, a combination of thermal conversion systemsand photovoltaic systems is used to collect both light and heat fromsolar radiation that is used to generate electrical energy, mechanicalenergy, and chemical energy.

FIG. 13 is an image of an environment where implementations of thepresent invention, such as umbrellas 100, lounge chairs 1100, detachablesunshades, beach cabanas 1300 (e.g., also cabanas for boats or ships),or the like, may be used by a user for charging a portable electronicdevice. For example, in a beach environment as shown in FIG. 1O, a mainpower source 1100 or an electrical outlet 1105 on a hotel building 1110may not be relatively close to where umbrellas 100 or lounge chars 1100may be used on a beach or other recreation location, and therefore,running power lines to such areas may not be convenient or safe. Even ifpower lines could be run to such areas, the power lines may not have themovable convenience of the implementations of the present invention whenuses might move and move their umbrellas 100 or lounge chairs 1100 tofollow the sun, follow the shade, move to a different section of beach,or the like.

As users often enjoy such outdoor locations for several hours, and asuser use their portable electronic device for several hours, thebatteries of these devices need to be recharged for continued use andenjoyment. Outdoor furniture and sunshades, such as umbrella 100, of thepresent invention provide users with a convenient, portable, and localsource for charging their portable electronic devices throughout thedaytime hours and into the evening and night where charge stored inbatteries 185 may be used for such charging.

Other benefits of the implementations of the present invention includesimple storage in a storage area 1320 or the like. The implementationscan be stored without the need to unplug and wind up any power cords.Each implementation can be folded, disassembled, moved, or the like, asit normally would, and moved to storage area 1320 while the parts of thepower supply systems (i.e., solar panel, battery, and circuits, andcharging connectors for devices) stay incorporated with theimplementations since they are physically integrated.

As discussed previously, umbrella 100, chair 1100, detachable sunshades1200, and cabana 102 with solar panels 135 or 1135 are movable and canbe collapsed into a compact form (e.g., folded umbrella, folded loungechair, or the like) or otherwise folded into a housing (e.g., shaderolled up into a box). In one business application for umbrella 100,chair 1100, detachable sunshade 1200, cabana 102, or the like, guests ofa hotel, cruise ship, or the like can rent out these devices and canmove them (e.g., wheeled from location to another location) where theguests would like to be. Further, a number of umbrella, lounge chairs,cabanas, or the like with integrated solar panels can be rented by arental company (e.g., which can deliver via a truck or van) to variouslocations. Ordering or reservations may be via the Internet (e.g., Webbrowser) or a smartphone application. Then during winter, a hotel (andother rental customers) can stop renting and let the rental company pickup and store the sunshades with integrated solar panels in a warehouse.

This description of the invention has been presented for the purposes ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise form described, and manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the teachingabove. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical applications.This description will enable others skilled in the art to best utilizeand practice the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to a particular use. The scope of theinvention is defined by the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A kit for an umbrella comprising a shaftand umbrella shade, the umbrella shade being coupled between a fastenerand the shaft, the kit comprising: a cap, coupled between the fastenerand the umbrella shade, comprising a cap opening and at least a firsthinge portion and a second hinge portion, wherein the fastener couplesto a bolt of the shaft that passes through the cap opening; a firststrut, comprising first and second ends, a third hinge portion at thefirst end, and between the first and second ends is a first solar panel,wherein the third hinge portion couples with the first hinge portion ofthe cap to form a first strut hinge; a second strut, comprising thirdand fourth ends, a fourth hinge portion at the third end, and betweenthe third and fourth ends is a second solar panel, wherein the fourthhinge portion couples to the second hinge portion of the cap to form asecond strut hinge, the umbrella comprises an open position during whichthe umbrella shade is extended into a position away from the shaft and aclosed position during which the umbrella shade is folded into aposition closer to the shaft, when changing the umbrella from the closedto the open position, the umbrella shade pushes against a bottom of thestruts while the umbrella shade is extended, causing the struts torotate via the first and second strut hinges in a first turn direction,so that an angle between a top of the first strut and a top of the capincreases from a first angle in the closed position to a second angle inthe open position, and the second angle is greater than the first angle,and when changing the umbrella from the open to the closed position, thebottom of the struts rest against the umbrella shade while the umbrellais folded, causing the struts to rotate via the first and second struthinges in a second turn direction, so that the angle between the top ofthe first strut and the top of the cap decreases from the second angleto the first angle, and the second turn direction is opposite of thefirst turn direction; a battery housing comprising a battery housinghole through which the shaft of the umbrella is passed through, whereinthe battery housing houses a rechargeable battery, battery chargingcircuit, and voltage converter circuit; first, second, and third USBcharging ports, coupled to the rechargeable battery; and a printedcircuit board (PCB), contained within the battery housing, wherein theprinted circuit board comprises a PCB hole through which the shaft ofthe umbrella will pass through, wherein the battery charging circuit isformed on the printed circuit board.
 2. The kit of claim 1 comprising: afirst spring-loaded retractable cover, coupled to the battery housing,covering the first USB charging port; a second spring-loaded retractablecover, coupled to the battery housing, covering the second USB chargingport; and a third spring-loaded retractable cover, coupled to thebattery housing, covering the third USB charging port.
 3. The kit ofclaim 1 wherein the rechargeable battery is configurable to be rechargedby the first and second solar panels, and the first USB charging port iscoupled to the rechargeable battery, configurable to connect to aportable electronic device, and when connected, capable of supplyingcharge from the rechargeable battery to the portable electronic device.4. The kit of claim 1 comprising: a battery level indicator circuit,coupled to the rechargeable battery; and at least one indicator element,coupled to the battery level indicator circuit and visible from anexterior of the rechargeable battery housing, wherein the battery levelindicator circuit causes the at least one indicator element to indicatea charge level of the rechargeable battery.
 5. The kit of claim 1wherein the first, second, and third USB charging ports are capable ofsupplying at least 10 watts of output power each simultaneously.
 6. Thekit of claim 1 wherein when the umbrella is in the closed position, atleast a portion of a weight of the first and second struts is supportedby the cap.
 7. The kit of claim 1 comprising: a battery level indicatorcircuit, coupled to the rechargeable battery; and a plurality of lightemitting diodes, coupled to the battery level indicator circuit andvisible from an exterior of the rechargeable battery housing, whereinthe battery level indicator circuit causes a number of the lightemitting diodes to illuminate corresponding to a charge level of therechargeable battery.
 8. The kit of claim 1 comprising: an electricalsocket, coupled to the battery housing and the battery charging circuit;and electrical wires, wherein the electrical wires are to be coupledbetween the electrical socket and the first and second solar panels. 9.A kit for an umbrella comprising a shaft and umbrella shade, theumbrella shade being coupled between a fastener and the shaft, the kitcomprising: a cap, coupled between the fastener and the umbrella shade,comprising a cap opening and at least a first hinge portion and a secondhinge portion, wherein the fastener couples to a bolt of the shaft thatpasses through the cap opening, wherein the cap comprises: a firststrut, comprising first and second ends, a third hinge portion at thefirst end, and between the first and second ends is a first solar panel,wherein the third hinge portion couples to the first hinge portion ofthe cap to form a first strut hinge, and a second strut, comprisingthird and fourth ends, a fourth hinge portion at the third end, andbetween the third and fourth ends is a second solar panel, wherein thefourth hinge portion couples to the second hinge portion of the cap toform a second strut hinge, the umbrella comprises an open positionduring which the umbrella shade is extended into a position away fromthe shaft and a closed position during which the umbrella shade isfolded into a position closer to the shaft, when changing the umbrellafrom the closed to the open position, the umbrella shade pushes againsta bottom of the struts while the umbrella shade is extended, causing thestruts to rotate via the first and second strut hinges in a first turndirection, so that an angle between a top of the first strut and a topof the cap increases from a first angle in the closed position to asecond angle in the open position, and the second angle is greater thanthe first angle, and when changing the umbrella from the open to theclosed position, the bottom of the struts rest against the umbrellashade while the umbrella is folded, causing the struts to rotate via thefirst and second strut hinges in a second turn direction, so that theangle between the top of the first strut and the top of the capdecreases from the second angle to the first angle, and the second turndirection is opposite of the first turn direction; and a battery housingcomprising a battery housing hole through which the shaft of theumbrella is passed through, wherein the battery housing comprises: arechargeable battery, contained within the battery housing, a batterycharging circuit, contained within the battery housing and coupled tothe rechargeable battery and contained; a plurality of electrical wires,coupling the first and second solar panels to the battery chargingcircuit, wherein the battery charging circuit can charge therechargeable battery using solar power received from the first andsecond solar panels; and a first printed circuit board (PCB), containedwithin the battery housing, wherein the first printed circuit boardcomprises a PCB hole through which the shaft of the umbrella passesthrough, wherein the battery charging circuit is formed on the printedcircuit board.
 10. The kit of claim 9 wherein a voltage convertercircuit is coupled to the rechargeable battery, and the kit comprises: afirst universal serial bus (USB) charging port; a second USB chargingport; and a third USB charging port, wherein the first, second, andthird USB charging ports are coupled to the voltage converter circuit toreceive power.
 11. The kit of claim 10 wherein the first, second, andthird USB charging ports are capable of supplying at least 10 watts ofoutput power each simultaneously.
 12. The kit of claim 9 comprising: afirst cover, coupled to cover the first USB charging port; a secondcover, coupled to cover the second USB charging port; and a third cover,coupled to cover the third USB charging port.
 13. The kit of claim 9comprising: an electrical socket, coupled to the battery housing and thebattery charging circuit; a plurality of electrical wires, whereinelectrical wires are to be coupled between the electrical socket and thefirst and second solar panels.
 14. The kit of claim 9 wherein when theumbrella is in the closed position, at least a portion of a weight ofthe first and second struts is supported by the cap.
 15. The kit ofclaim 9 comprising: a battery level indicator circuit, coupled to therechargeable battery; and a plurality of light emitting diodes, coupledto the battery level indicator circuit and visible from an exterior ofthe rechargeable battery housing, wherein the battery level indicatorcircuit causes a number of the light emitting diodes to illuminatecorresponding to a charge level of the rechargeable battery.
 16. Amethod comprising: providing a kit for an umbrella comprising a shaftand umbrella shade, wherein the umbrella shade will be coupled between afastener and the shaft; providing a cap to be coupled between thefastener and the umbrella shade, the cap comprising a cap opening and atleast a first hinge portion and a second hinge portion, wherein thefastener couples to a bolt of the shaft that passes through the capopening; providing a first strut, comprising first and second ends, athird hinge portion at the first end, and between the first and secondends is a first solar panel, wherein the third hinge portion couples tothe first hinge portion of the cap to form a first strut hinge;providing a second strut, comprising third and fourth ends, a fourthhinge portion at the third end, and between the third and fourth ends isa second solar panel, wherein the fourth hinge portion couples to thesecond hinge portion of the cap to form a second strut hinge, theumbrella comprises an open position during which the umbrella shade isextended into a position away from the shaft and a closed positionduring which the umbrella shade is folded into a position closer to theshaft, when changing the umbrella from the closed to the open position,the umbrella shade pushes against a bottom of the struts while theumbrella shade is extended, causing the struts to rotate via the firstand second strut hinges in a first turn direction, so that an anglebetween a top of the first strut and a top of the cap increases from afirst angle in the closed position to a second angle in the openposition, and the second angle is greater than the first angle, and whenchanging the umbrella from the open to the closed position, the bottomof the struts rest against the umbrella shade while the umbrella isfolded, causing the struts to rotate via the first and second struthinges in a second turn direction, so that the angle between the top ofthe first strut and the top of the cap decreases from the second angleto the first angle, and the second turn direction is opposite of thefirst turn direction; providing a battery housing comprising a batteryhousing hole through which the shaft of the umbrella passes through,wherein the battery housing houses a rechargeable battery, batterycharging circuit, and voltage converter circuit; providing at leastfirst and second USB charging ports, coupled to the rechargeablebattery; and providing a first printed circuit board (PCB) comprising aPCB hole through which the shaft of the umbrella passes through, whereinthe battery charging circuit and the voltage converter circuit areformed on the printed circuit board.
 17. The method of claim 16 whereinthe rechargeable battery is configurable to be recharged by the firstand second solar panels, and the first USB charging port is coupled tothe rechargeable battery and configurable to connect to a portableelectronic device, and when connected, capable of supplying charge fromthe rechargeable battery to the portable electronic device.
 18. Themethod of claim 16 comprising: providing a battery level indicatorcircuit coupled to the rechargeable battery; and providing at least oneindicator element, coupled to the battery level indicator circuit andvisible from an exterior of the rechargeable battery housing, whereinthe battery level indicator circuit causes the at least one indicatorelement to indicate a charge level of the rechargeable battery.
 19. Themethod of claim 16 wherein the first, second, and third USB chargingports are capable of supplying at least 10 watts of output power eachsimultaneously.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein when the umbrella isin the closed position, at least a portion of a weight of the first andsecond struts is supported by the cap.
 21. The method of claim 16comprising: providing a battery level indicator circuit, coupled to therechargeable battery; and providing a plurality of light emittingdiodes, coupled to the battery level indicator circuit and visible froman exterior of the rechargeable battery housing, wherein the batterylevel indicator circuit causes a number of the light emitting diodes toilluminate corresponding to a charge level of the rechargeable battery.22. The method of claim 16 comprising: providing an electrical socket,coupled to the battery housing and the battery charging circuit; andproviding electrical wires, wherein the electrical wires are to becoupled between the electrical socket and the first and second solarpanels.
 23. A method comprising: providing a kit for an umbrellacomprising a shaft and umbrella shade, wherein the umbrella shade willbe coupled between a fastener and the shaft; providing a cap to becoupled between the fastener and the umbrella shade, the cap comprisinga cap opening and at least a first hinge portion and a second hingeportion, wherein the fastener couples to a bolt of the shaft that passesthrough the cap opening; providing a first strut, comprising first andsecond ends, a third hinge portion at the first end, and between thefirst and second ends is a first solar panel, wherein the third hingeportion couples to the first hinge portion of the cap to form a firststrut hinge; providing a second strut, comprising third and fourth ends,a fourth hinge portion at the third end, and between the third andfourth ends is a second solar panel, wherein the fourth hinge portioncouples to the second hinge portion of the cap to form a second struthinge, the umbrella comprises an open position during which the umbrellashade is extended into a position away from the shaft and a closedposition during which the umbrella shade is folded into a positioncloser to the shaft, when changing the umbrella from the closed to theopen position, the umbrella shade pushes against a bottom of the strutswhile the umbrella shade is extended, causing the struts to rotate viathe first and second strut hinges in a first turn direction, so that anangle between a top of the first strut and a top of the cap increasesfrom a first angle in the closed position to a second angle in the openposition, and the second angle is greater than the first angle, and whenchanging the umbrella from the open to the closed position, the bottomof the struts rest against the umbrella shade while the umbrella isfolded, causing the struts to rotate via the first and second struthinges in a second turn direction, so that the angle between the top ofthe first strut and the top of the cap decreases from the second angleto the first angle, and the second turn direction is opposite of thefirst turn direction; providing a battery housing comprising a batteryhousing hole through which the shaft of the umbrella is passed through;providing a rechargeable battery within the battery housing; providing abattery charging circuit within the battery housing, coupled to therechargeable battery; providing a plurality of electrical wires,coupling the first and second solar panels to the battery chargingcircuit, wherein the battery charging circuit can charge therechargeable battery using solar power received from the first andsecond solar panels; and providing a first printed circuit board (PCB)comprising a PCB hole through which the shaft of the umbrella passesthrough, wherein the battery charging circuit and the voltage convertercircuit are formed on the printed circuit board.
 24. The method of claim23 wherein a voltage converter circuit is coupled to the rechargeablebattery, and the method comprises: providing a first universal serialbus (USB) charging port, coupled to the voltage converter circuit;providing a second USB charging port, coupled to the voltage convertercircuit; and providing a third USB charging port, coupled to the voltageconverter circuit.
 25. The method of claim 24 wherein the first, second,and third USB charging ports are capable of supplying at least 10 wattsof output power each simultaneously.
 26. The method of claim 23comprising: providing an electrical socket, coupled to the batteryhousing and the battery charging circuit; and providing electricalwires, wherein the electrical wires are to be coupled between theelectrical socket and the first and second solar panels.
 27. The methodof claim 23 wherein when the umbrella is in the closed position, atleast a portion of a weight of the first and second struts is supportedby the cap.
 28. The method of claim 23 comprising: providing a batterylevel indicator circuit, coupled to the rechargeable battery; andproviding a plurality of light emitting diodes, coupled to the batterylevel indicator circuit and visible from an exterior of the rechargeablebattery housing, wherein the battery level indicator circuit causes anumber of the light emitting diodes to illuminate corresponding to acharge level of the rechargeable battery.
 29. A method comprising:providing a kit for an umbrella comprising a shaft and umbrella shade,wherein the umbrella shade will be coupled between a fastener and theshaft; providing a cap to be coupled between the fastener and theumbrella shade, the cap comprising a cap opening and at least a firsthinge portion and a second hinge portion, wherein the fastener couplesto a bolt of the shaft that passes through the cap opening; providing afirst strut, comprising first and second ends, a third hinge portion atthe first end, and between the first and second ends is a first solarpanel, wherein the third hinge portion couples to the first hingeportion of the cap to form a first strut hinge; providing a secondstrut, comprising third and fourth ends, a fourth hinge portion at thirdend, and between the third and fourth ends is a second solar panel,wherein the fourth hinge portion couples to the second hinge portion ofthe cap to form a second strut hinge, the umbrella comprises an openposition during which the umbrella shade is extended into a positionaway from the shaft and a closed position during which the umbrellashade is folded into a position closer to the shaft, when changing theumbrella from the closed to the open position, the umbrella shade pushesagainst a bottom of the struts while the umbrella shade is extended,causing the struts to rotate via the first and second strut hinges in afirst turn direction, so that an angle between a top of the first strutand a top of the cap increases from a first angle in the closed positionto a second angle in the open position, and the second angle is greaterthan the first angle, and when changing the umbrella from the open tothe closed position, the bottom of the struts rest against the umbrellashade while the umbrella is folded, causing the struts to rotate via thefirst and second strut hinges in a second turn direction, so that theangle between the top of the first strut and the top of the capdecreases from the second angle to the first angle, and the second turndirection is opposite of the first turn direction; providing a batteryhousing comprising a battery housing hole through which the shaft of theumbrella is passed through; providing a rechargeable battery within thebattery housing; providing a battery charging circuit within the batteryhousing, coupled to the rechargeable battery; providing a plurality ofelectrical wires, coupling the first and second solar panels to thebattery charging circuit, wherein the battery charging circuit cancharge the rechargeable battery using solar power received from thefirst and second solar panels, wherein a voltage converter circuit iscoupled to the rechargeable battery, and the method comprises: providinga first universal serial bus (USB) charging port, coupled to the voltageconverter circuit; providing a second USB charging port, coupled to thevoltage converter circuit; and providing a third USB charging port,coupled to the voltage converter circuit; providing a battery housingcomprising a battery housing hole through which the shaft of theumbrella passes through, wherein the battery housing houses therechargeable battery, battery charging circuit, voltage convertercircuit, and first, second, and third USB charging ports; providing afirst spring-loaded retractable cover, coupled to the battery housing,covering the first USB charging port; providing a second spring-loadedretractable cover, coupled to the battery housing, covering the secondUSB charging port; and providing a third spring-loaded retractablecover, coupled to the battery housing, covering the third USB chargingport.